New radiation hodoscope developments for Arms Control Treaty verification
New developments in hodoscope radiation detection technology offer a wide range of unique capabilities for arms control treaty verification (ACTV) applications. Originally developed for civilian nuclear power research by Argonne National Laboratory, this concept uses an array of radiation detectors to image or detect objects inside opaque containments. Hodoscope systems may detect neutrons and/or gamma-rays. The systems may be based on transmission of radiation through the objects; may detect radiation stimulated in the objects, or may detect intrinsic object radiation. ACTV hodoscopes do not require the high-speed data acquisition systems or the heavy shielding and collimation of reactor hodoscopes, and relatively weak radiation sources are sufficient. We have performed laboratory measurements to demonstrate a range of potential applications. Gamma-ray transmission hodoscopes can be used to inspect canisters, rail cars, etc. to monitor objects such as rocket motors. The use of relatively weak radiation sources makes it unnecessary to employ expensive and high-intensity accelerators. The heavy metal of nuclear warheads is characterized by strong gamma-ray absorption, and these materials could be counted by low-resolution tomography. Absorbers located in line with objects will themselves be detected, and sources located in the object region will be subtracted out as background. Intrinsic gamma-ray radiation from warheads also can be detected in a passive-instrument mode. Neutron hodoscopes can utilize neutron transmission, intrinsic neutron emission, or neutron-producing reactions (either prompt or delayed) stimulated by a neutron source. Monitoring of rocket motors enclosed in canisters/rail cars is the focus of the most recent ACTV hodoscope research and development activities. 3 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE; USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 6100063
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/CP-74511; CONF-911106-15; ON: DE92003391
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: IEEE nuclear science symposium, Santa Fe, NM (United States), 5-9 Nov 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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New radiation hodoscope developments for arms control treaty verification
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Related Subjects
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
HODOSCOPES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
NUCLEAR WEAPONS
INSPECTION
ARMS CONTROL
GAMMA DETECTION
MISSILES
VERIFICATION
DETECTION
RADIATION DETECTION
TESTING
WEAPONS
440103* - Radiation Instrumentation- Nuclear Spectroscopic Instrumentation
350300 - Arms Control- Verification- (1987-)