Source detection at 100 meter standoff with a time-encoded imaging system

Journal Article · 27 September 2017 · Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2017.09.052 · OSTI ID:1406359

Brennan, J. ^[1]; Brubaker, E. ^[1]; Gerling, M. ^[1]; Marleau, P. ^[1]; Monterial, M. ^[2]; Nowack, A. ^[3]; Schuster, P. ^[2]; Sturm, B. ^[1]; Sweany, M. ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)
3. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States)

Here, we present the design, characterization, and testing of a laboratory prototype radiological search and localization system. The system, based on time-encoded imaging, uses the attenuation signature of neutrons in time, induced by the geometrical layout and motion of the system. We have demonstrated the ability to detect a ~1 mCi²⁵² Cf radiological source at 100 m standoff with 90% detection efficiency and 10% false positives against background in 12 min. As a result, this same detection efficiency is met at 15 s for a 40 m standoff, and 1.2 s for a 20 m standoff.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (NA-20)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1406359
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1549284
• Report Number(s): SAND--2017-10692J; PII: S0168900217310227
• Journal Information: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, Journal Name: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment Vol. 877; ISSN 0168-9002
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English