A Pulsed Neutron Device for Studies of Non-nuclear Material Detection and Fissile Material Assay

The Joint Research Centre has taken into operation a new experimental device designed for research in the fields of nuclear safeguards and illicit trafficking. The research projects currently undertaken include detection of shielded contraband materials, and mass determination of small fissile materials in shielded containers. The device, called the Pulsed Neutron Interrogation Test Assembly, incorporates a pulsed 14-MeV neutron generator and a large graphite mantle surrounding a sample cavity. In this configuration a relatively high thermal neutron flux with a long lifetime is achieved inside the sample cavity. By pulsing the neutron generator, a sample may be interrogated first by fast neutrons only, and a few hundred micro-seconds later by a pure thermal neutron flux. For the detection of materials such as conventional explosives the device employs scintillation detectors for the detection of characteristic prompt gamma rays either from inelastic scattering by fast neutrons, or from capture of thermal neutrons. The paper reports on the design of the new device, the characteristics of the pulsed fast and thermal neutron source, and the current activities for the project of non-nuclear material detection.

FAVALLI Andrea;  MEHNER Hans-Christoph;  PEDERSEN Bent; 

2007-11-27

OPOCE

JRC40758

http://nusaf.jrc.it/zp_les_cd/2007-05-22-29th-Annual_Meeting-ESARDA/index.htm?PHPSESSID=a290b60902a72cac4277d54d7e3942e3,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC40758,