Experimental Assessment of a 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) Prototype Neutron Coincidence Counter for Safeguard

A prototype 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) based neutron coincidence counter for safeguards applications has been developed and built following comprehensive Monte Carlo modeling. The 3He-free neutron coincidence collar consists of eight (prototype version) compact 6LiF:ZnS(Ag) thermal neutron absorbers (or blades) disposed in four moderating slabs making the collar. This paper describes the results of an extensive campaign of measurements carried out at the JRC in Ispra to validate the Monte Carlo models, characterize and calibrate the counter in order to asses the suitability of the technology as an alternative to He-3 based ones as well as its compliance with safeguards requirements as regards a number of important parameters such as neutron efficiency, die-away time, gamma rejection, dead-time etc. The performance of the counter is compared to that of a commonly deployed HLNCC-II counter which makes use of now scarcely available 3He gas.

TAGZIRIA Hamid;  FOSTER Mark;  SCHAER Melissa;  RAMSDEN David;  DERMODY Geraint;  PEDERSEN Bent;  PEERANI Paolo;  SCHWALBACH Peter; 

2016-01-21

Publications Office of the European Union

JRC95491

978-92-79-49495-6,   

1831-9424 (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC95491,   

10.2789/099293,