Assessment of the associated particle technique with high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy for in-field identification of chemical warfare agents and explosives

Bucher, Brian M.; Seabury, Edward H.; Hix, Jay D.; Krebs, Kenneth M.; Wharton, Jayson C.; McConchie, Seth M.; Hausladen, Paul A.

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2022.166651

Title: Assessment of the associated particle technique with high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy for in-field identification of chemical warfare agents and explosives

Journal Article · 05 April 2022 · Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2022.166651 · OSTI ID:1882409

^[1];

^[1]; Hix, Jay D. ^[1]; Krebs, Kenneth M. ^[1];

^[1]; McConchie, Seth M. ^[2]; Hausladen, Paul A. ^[2]

Idaho National Lab. (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

In this work, high-resolution prompt γ-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) is performed using the associated particle (AP) technique with a deuterium-tritium neutron generator and high-purity germanium detector. Although the time resolution is inferior compared to similar systems employing fast scintillation γ-ray detectors, the strong background suppression combined with the high γ-ray energy resolution provides an important boost in sensitivity to certain key elements, especially relevant to field measurements of complex chemicals encased within thick layers of metal, such as in the case of recovered chemical warfare (CW) munitions. Results for various CW and explosive simulants contained within mock munitions are presented and compared with results obtained from traditional PGNAA measurements without the aid of the AP technique. Significant improvements in identification and discrimination between certain chemicals are achieved with the high energy resolution AP technique.

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Research Organization:: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Nuclear Energy (NE); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program

Grant/Contract Number:: AC07-05ID14517

OSTI ID:: 1882409

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1961107

Report Number(s):: INL/JOU-21-65428-Rev000; TRN: US2307912

Journal Information:: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, Vol. 1032, Issue 1 June 2022; ISSN 0168-9002

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Figures / Tables (12)

α detector, shadow shield, HPGe and test item are all centered in a horizontal plane 14" above the ground." data-ostiid="1882409">

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Title: Assessment of the associated particle technique with high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy for in-field identification of chemical warfare agents and explosives

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