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On the Search for Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence Signatures of 235U and 238U above 3 MeV

Journal Article · · IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 57(1, part 2):317-322

Nuclear resonance fluorescence is a physical process that provides an isotope-specific signature that could be used for the identification and characterization of materials. The technique involves the detection of prompt discrete-energy photons emitted from a sample that is exposed to MeV-energy photons. Potential applications of the technique range from detection of high explosives to characterization of special nuclear materials such as 235U. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Passport Systems have collaborated to conduct a pair of measurements to search for a nuclear resonance fluorescence response of 235U above 3 MeV and of 238U above 5 MeV using an 8 g sample of highly enriched uranium and a 90 g sample of depleted uranium. No new signatures were observed. The minimum detectable integrated cross section for 235U is presented.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
978515
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-67161; NN2001000
Journal Information:
IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 57(1, part 2):317-322, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 57(1, part 2):317-322 Journal Issue: 1 part 2 Vol. 57; ISSN 0018-9499; ISSN IETNAE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English