Photoneutron-induced, prompt neutron capture gamma-ray spectroscopy
- Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Lab., Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Many practical radioisotopic-based and accelerator-based nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods using neutron-induced prompt gamma rays have been successfully developed for various applications during the last several decades. In addition, electron accelerator-based X-ray radiography has been well established for more than 100 yr. Combining the advantages of these two NDE technologies has been limited by the fact that most gamma-ray detectors are rendered ineffective by the intense bremsstrahlung photons (i.e., X-ray flash) associated with each electron accelerator pulse. In support of a U.S. Department of Energy project, the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) is developing a prototype high-purity germanium (HPGe)-based NDE system that performs prompt gamma-ray spectroscopy for gamma rays acquired between accelerator-produced bremsstrahlung pulses. Using a 6.5-MeV electron accelerator and a beryllium metal photoneutron source, the acquired gamma-ray spectrum for an interrogated 2.7-kg block of NaCl is presented and compared to one obtained using a {sup 252}Cf neutron source. In addition, the predicted photoneutron source spectrum is compared to a typical {sup 252}Cf neutron source spectrum.
- OSTI ID:
- 552676
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-971125--
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Journal Name: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society Vol. 77; ISSN 0003-018X; ISSN TANSAO
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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