Apparatus and method for identification of matrix materials in which transuranic elements are embedded using thermal neutron capture gamma-ray emission
An invention is described that enables the quantitative simultaneous identification of the matrix materials in which fertile and fissile nuclides are embedded to be made along with the quantitative assay of the fertile and fissile materials. The invention also enables corrections for any absorption of neutrons by the matrix materials and by the measurement apparatus by the measurement of the prompt and delayed neutron flux emerging from a sample after the sample is interrogated by simultaneously applied neutrons and gamma radiation. High energy electrons are directed at a first target to produce gamma radiation. A second target receives the resulting pulsed gamma radiation and produces neutrons from the interaction with the gamma radiation. These neutrons are slowed by a moderator surrounding the sample and bathe the sample uniformly, generating second gamma radiation in the interaction. The gamma radiation is then resolved and quantitatively detected, providing a spectroscopic signature of the constituent elements contained in the matrix and in the materials within the vicinity of the sample. (LEW)
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- Application Number:
- ON: DE85011659
- OSTI ID:
- 5620226
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
NEUTRON REACTIONS
CAPTURE
GAMMA SPECTRA
MATRIX MATERIALS
BARYON REACTIONS
ELEMENTS
HADRON REACTIONS
MATERIALS
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
NUCLEON REACTIONS
SPECTRA
440100* - Radiation Instrumentation
400101 - Activation
Nuclear Reaction
Radiometric & Radiochemical Procedures