Gamma/neutron analysis for SNM signatures at high-data rates (greater than 10^7 cps) for single-pulse active interrogation

Istvan Dioszegi; Cynthia Salwen; Leon Forman

doi:10.1117/12.883912

3 June 2011 Gamma/neutron analysis for SNM signatures at high-data rates (greater than 10^7 cps) for single-pulse active interrogation

Istvan Dioszegi, Cynthia Salwen, Leon Forman

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8018, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XII; 80180D (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883912
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

We are developing a high data gamma/neutron spectrometer suitable for active interrogation of special nuclear materials (SNM) activated by a single burst from an intense source. We have tested the system at Naval Research Laboratory's (NRL) Mercury pulsed-power facility at distances approaching 10 meters from a depleted uranium (DU) target. We have found that the gamma-ray field in the target room "disappears" 10 milliseconds after the x-ray flash, and that gamma ray spectroscopy will then be dominated by isomeric states/beta decay of fission products. When a polyethylene moderator is added to the DU target, a time-dependent signature of the DU is produced by thermalized neutrons. We observe this signature in gamma-spectra measured consecutively in the 0.1-1.0 ms time range. These spectra contain the Compton edge line (2.2 MeV) from capture in hydrogen, and a continuous high energy gamma-spectrum from capture or fission in minority constituents of the DU.

Citation Download Citation

Istvan Dioszegi, Cynthia Salwen, and Leon Forman "Gamma/neutron analysis for SNM signatures at high-data rates (greater than 10^7 cps) for single-pulse active interrogation", Proc. SPIE 8018, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing XII, 80180D (3 June 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.883912

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