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Detectors for Active Interrogation Applications

Journal Article · · Physics Procedia
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [2]
  1. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences; University of Michigan
  2. Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States). Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences
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Active interrogation creates an environment that is particularly challenging from a radiation-detection standpoint: the elevated background levels from the source can mask the desired signatures from the SNM. Neutron based interrogation experiments have shown that nanosecond-level timing is required to discriminate induced-fission neutrons from the scattered source neutrons. Previous experiments using high-energy bremsstrahlung X-rays have demonstrated the ability to induce and detect prompt photofission neutrons from single target materials; however, a real-world application would require spectroscopic capability to discern between photofission neutrons emitted by SNM and neutrons emitted by other reactions in non-SNM. Using digital pulseshape discrimination, organic liquid scintillators are capable of reliably detecting neutrons in an intense gamma-ray field. Photon misclassification rates as low as 1 in 106 have been achieved, which is approaching the level of gaseous neutron detectors such as 3He without the need for neutron moderation. These scintillators also possess nanosecond-timing resolution, making them candidates for both neutron-and photon-driven active interrogation systems. Lastly, we have applied an array of liquid and NaI(Tl) scintillators to successfully image 13.7 kg of HEU interrogated by a DT neutron generator; the system was in the direct presence of the accelerator during the experiment.

Research Organization:
Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE NA Office of Nonproliferation and Verification Research and Development (NA-22)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0002534
OSTI ID:
1454802
Journal Information:
Physics Procedia, Journal Name: Physics Procedia Journal Issue: C Vol. 90; ISSN 1875-3892
Publisher:
ElsevierCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Figures / Tables (4)

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Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Organic scintillator
active interrogation
neutron imaging