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Title: Associated-particle sealed-tube neutron probe for characterization of materials

Abstract

A neutron diagnostic probe system has been developed that can identify and image most elements having a larger atomic number than boron. It can satisfy van-mobile and fixed-portal requirements for nondestructive detection of contraband drugs, explosives, and nuclear and chemical warfare weapon materials, and for treaty verification of sealed munitions and remediation of radioactive waste. The probe is based on a nonpulsed associated-particle sealed-tube neutron generator (APSTNG) that interrogates the object with a 14-MeV neutrons and detects alpha-particle associated with each neutron. Gamma-ray spectra of resulting neutron reactions (primarily inelastic scattering) identify nuclides associated with drugs, explosives, and other contraband. Flight times determined from detection times of gamma-rays and alpha-particles yield a separate coarse tomographic image of each identified nuclide. Chemical substances are identified and imaged by comparing relative spectra fine intensities with ratios of elements in reference compounds. The High-energy neutrons in gamma-rays will penetrate large objects and dense materials. The source and emission detection systems can be on the same side, allowing measurements with access to one side only. A high signal-to-background ratio is obtained and maximum information is extracted from each detected gamma-ray, yet high-bandwidth data acquisition is not required. The APSTNG also forms the basis formore » a compact fast-neutron transmission imaging system. No collimators are required, and only minimal shielding is needed. The small and relatively inexpensive neutron generator tube exhibits high reliability and can be quickly replaced. The detector arrays and associated electronics can be made reliable with low maintenance cost.« less

Authors:
;  [1];  [2]
  1. Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
  2. 5235 N. Whispering Hills Lane, Tucson, AZ (United States)
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
10188821
Report Number(s):
ANL/RE/CP-78949
ON: DE94001341
DOE Contract Number:  
W-31109-ENG-38
Resource Type:
Technical Report
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: 1993
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; EXPLOSIVES; DETECTION; DRUGS; RADIOMETRIC ANALYSIS; NEUTRON PROBES; ALPHA PARTICLES; GAMMA RADIATION; NEUTRON GENERATORS; ALPHA DETECTION; 440101; GENERAL DETECTORS OR MONITORS AND RADIOMETRIC INSTRUMENTS

Citation Formats

Rhodes, E, Dickerman, C E, and Peters, C W. Associated-particle sealed-tube neutron probe for characterization of materials. United States: N. p., 1993. Web. doi:10.2172/10188821.
Rhodes, E, Dickerman, C E, & Peters, C W. Associated-particle sealed-tube neutron probe for characterization of materials. United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/10188821
Rhodes, E, Dickerman, C E, and Peters, C W. 1993. "Associated-particle sealed-tube neutron probe for characterization of materials". United States. https://doi.org/10.2172/10188821. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/10188821.
@article{osti_10188821,
title = {Associated-particle sealed-tube neutron probe for characterization of materials},
author = {Rhodes, E and Dickerman, C E and Peters, C W},
abstractNote = {A neutron diagnostic probe system has been developed that can identify and image most elements having a larger atomic number than boron. It can satisfy van-mobile and fixed-portal requirements for nondestructive detection of contraband drugs, explosives, and nuclear and chemical warfare weapon materials, and for treaty verification of sealed munitions and remediation of radioactive waste. The probe is based on a nonpulsed associated-particle sealed-tube neutron generator (APSTNG) that interrogates the object with a 14-MeV neutrons and detects alpha-particle associated with each neutron. Gamma-ray spectra of resulting neutron reactions (primarily inelastic scattering) identify nuclides associated with drugs, explosives, and other contraband. Flight times determined from detection times of gamma-rays and alpha-particles yield a separate coarse tomographic image of each identified nuclide. Chemical substances are identified and imaged by comparing relative spectra fine intensities with ratios of elements in reference compounds. The High-energy neutrons in gamma-rays will penetrate large objects and dense materials. The source and emission detection systems can be on the same side, allowing measurements with access to one side only. A high signal-to-background ratio is obtained and maximum information is extracted from each detected gamma-ray, yet high-bandwidth data acquisition is not required. The APSTNG also forms the basis for a compact fast-neutron transmission imaging system. No collimators are required, and only minimal shielding is needed. The small and relatively inexpensive neutron generator tube exhibits high reliability and can be quickly replaced. The detector arrays and associated electronics can be made reliable with low maintenance cost.},
doi = {10.2172/10188821},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/10188821}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993},
month = {Fri Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1993}
}