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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Developments in radiation hodoscope technology for arms control treaty verification

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6943674

New hodoscope radiation detection technology developments offer a wide range of unique capabilities for arms control treaty verification (ACTV). Originally developed for civilian nuclear power research by Argonne National Laboratory, this concept uses a radiation detector array to detect objects inside opaque containments. To avoid unnecessary intrusiveness in treaty verification, spatial resolution must be limited and confirmed. Material density data and identification by radiation means may be either required or prohibited. ACTV instruments also should be inherently resistant to false indications--either accidental, or from attempt at deception. Hodoscope technology can meet these needs. ACTV hodoscopes do not require the heavy collimators of reactor hodoscopes, and relatively weak sources are sufficient. Gamma-ray transmission hodoscopes can be used to inspect canisters, railcars, etc. or to monitor objects such as rocket motors. This technique is deception-resistant: absorbers hidden to mask objects will be detected; and sources hidden to mask absorption will be substracted out as background. Nuclear warheads are detectable by strong gamma-ray absorption. In some cases, intrinsic gamma-ray radiation from warheads also could be used in a passive mode. Neutron hodoscopes can utilize neutron transmission, intrinsic neutron emission, or neutron reactions (either prompt or delayed) stimulated by a neutron source. Warheads can be counted by tomography, or by simple analysis of count rate curve patterns, depending on application. Hodoscope technology is a powerful tool for potential treaty verification uses; This paper considers that technology. 21 refs., 8 figs., 1 tab.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
Sponsoring Organization:
DOE/NE
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
6943674
Report Number(s):
CONF-900563-7; ON: DE90011174
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English