Use of a deuterium-deuterium neutron generator for the Add-A-Source waste matrix correction technique

Journal Article · 28 November 2024 · Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.170128 · OSTI ID:2480439

Weinmann-Smith, Robert K.  ^[1]; Rael, Carlos D.  ^[1]; Browne, Michael C. ^[1]; LaFleur, Adrienne Marie  ^[1]; Swinhoe, Martyn Thomas  ^[1]; Menlove, Howard Olsen ^[1]

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1. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Neutron generators offer an alternative to radioactive sources in the application of active techniques for nondestructive assay of nuclear materials. The Add-A-Source technique has enabled improvements in the ability to accurately measure waste bearing nuclear materials by measuring and correcting for the non-nuclear matrix effect. The technique has historically been performed with a Cf-252 spontaneous fission source. Here, in this work, we have demonstrated the use of a Deuterium-deuterium neutron generator in place of the Cf-252 source. A DD generator enables operational advantages and allows the simplification of the instrument design, while offering equivalent corrective performance as a Cf-252 source.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: 89233218CNA000001
• OSTI ID: 2480439
• Report Number(s): LA-UR--24-26197
• 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. 1072; ISSN 0168-9002
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English