Gamma/neutron analysis for SNM signatures at high-data rates(greater than 107 cps) for single-pulse active interrogation

Journal Article · Tue Apr 26 00:00:00 EDT 2011 · Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering

OSTI ID:1044734

Forman, L; Dioszegi, I; Salwen, C

We are developing a high data gamma/neutron spectrometer suitable for active interrogation of special nuclear materials (SNM) activated by a single burst from an intense source. We have tested the system at Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Mercury pulsed-power facility at distances approaching 10 meters from a depleted uranium (DU) target. We have found that the gamma-ray field in the target room 'disappears' 10 milliseconds after the x-ray flash, and that gamma ray spectroscopy will then be dominated by isomeric states/beta decay of fission products. When a polyethylene moderator is added to the DU target, a time-dependent signature of the DU is produced by thermalized neutrons. We observe this signature in gamma-spectra measured consecutively in the 0.1-1.0 ms time range. These spectra contain the Compton edge line (2.2 MeV) from capture in hydrogen, and a continuous high energy gamma-spectrum from capture or fission in minority constituents of the DU.

• Research Organization: Brookhaven National Lab. (BNL), Upton, NY (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE SC OFFICE OF SCIENCE (SC)
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AC02-98CH10886
• OSTI ID: 1044734
• Report Number(s): BNL-97259-2012-JA; PSISDG; NN2001000; TRN: US1203474
• Journal Information: Proceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering, Vol. 8018; ISSN 0277-786X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

08 HYDROGEN
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
DECAY
DEPLETED URANIUM
EXPLOSIVES
FISSION
FISSION PRODUCTS
GAMMA SPECTRA
HYDROGEN
MERCURY
METERS
MODERATORS
NEUTRONS
POLYETHYLENES
SPECTRA
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROSCOPY
TARGETS
Spontaneous fission
neutron
gamma ray
coincidence