Time dependence of delayed neutron emission for fissionable isotope identification

Journal Article · Mon Jun 20 00:00:00 EDT 2005 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1953874· OSTI ID:20702492

Kinlaw, M T; Hunt, A W ^[1]

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1. Idaho Accelerator Center, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 83209-8263 (United States)

The time dependence of delayed neutron emission was examined as a method of fissionable isotope identification. A pulsed bremsstrahlung photon beam was used to induce photofission reactions in {sup 238}U, {sup 232}Th, and {sup 239}Pu targets. The resulting delayed neutron emission was recorded between irradiating pulses and is a well-known technique for fissionable material detection. Monitoring the decay of delayed neutron emission between irradiating pulses demonstrates the ability to not only detect the presence of fissionable materials, but also to identify which fissionable isotope is present.

• OSTI ID: 20702492
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Vol. 86, Issue 25; Other Information: DOI: 10.1063/1.1953874; (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
DELAYED NEUTRONS
FISSIONABLE MATERIALS
NEUTRON DETECTION
NEUTRON EMISSION
PHOTOFISSION
PHOTON BEAMS
PLUTONIUM 239
THORIUM 232
TIME DEPENDENCE
URANIUM 238