Active detection of small quantities of shielded highly-enriched uranium using low-dose 60-kev neutron interrogation

NUCLEAR INSTRUMENTS & METHODS IN PHYSICS RESEARCH SECTION B-BEAM INTERACTIONS WITH MATERIALS AND ATOMS

卷:261

Article; Proceedings Paper

Kerr, Phil ; Rowland, Mark ; Dietrich, Dan ; Stoeffl, Wolfgang ; Wheeler, Boyd ; Nakae, Les ; Howard, Doug ; Hagmann, Chris ; Newby, Jason ; Porter, Robert

关键词: active neutron interrogation;    pulse-shape discrimination;    neutron-induced fission;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.nimb.2007.04.190

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Active interrogation with low-energy neutrons provides a search technique for highly-enriched uranium concealed in cargo. We describe the technique and show initial results using a low-dose 60-keV neutron beam. This technique produces a clear induced fission signal in the presence of small quantities of U-235. The technique has been validated with low-Z and high-Z cargo materials. The technique uses a forward-directed beam of 60-keV neutrons to induce fission in 235U. Detection of the fast fission neutrons with pulse-shape discriminating scintillators is then the signature for 235 U. The beam of neutrons is generated with a 1.93 MeV proton beam impinging on a natural lithium target. The proton beam is produced by a radio-frequency quadrupole LINAC. The 60 keV neutron beam is forward-directed because the Li-7(p,n) reaction is just above threshold for a proton energy of 1.93 MeV. Published by Elsevier B.V.

【 授权许可】

Free