Actively-induced, prompt radiation utilization in nonproliferation applications

Brandon W. Blackburn, James L. Jones, Calvin E. Moss, John T. Mihalczo, Alan W. Hunt, Paul Hausladen, Sara A. Pozzi, Frank J. Harmon, Laurie Waters, Kiril Inakiev, Craig McCluskey, Mams Fiaska, Scott M. Watson, James T. Johnson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

ThePulsed Photonuclear Assessment (PPA) technique, which has demonstrated the ability to detect shielded nuclear material, is currently based on utilizing delayed neutrons and photons between accelerator pulses. While most active interrogation systems have focused on delayed neutron and gamma-ray signatures, the current requirements of various Homeland Security issues necessitate bringing faster detection and acquisition capabilities to field inspection applications. This push for decreased interrogation times, increased sensitivity and mitigation of false positives requires that detection systems take advantage of all available information. Collaborative research between Idaho National Lab (INL), Idaho State University's Idaho Accelerator Center (IAC), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has focused on exploiting actively-induced, prompt radiation signatures from nuclear material within a pulsed photonuclear environment. To date, these prompt emissions have not been effectively exploited due to difficulties in detection and signal processing inherent in the prompt regime as well as an overall poor understanding of the magnitude and yields of these emissions. Exploitation of prompt radiation (defined as during an accelerator pulse/(photo)fission event and/or immediately after (< 1 μs)) has the potential to dramatically reduce interrogation times since the prompt neutron yields are more than two orders of magnitude greater than delayed emissions. Successful exploitation of prompt emissions is critical for the development of an improved robust, high-throughput, low target dose inspection system for detection of shielded nuclear materials.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2006 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium - Conference Record
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages314-315
Number of pages2
ISBN (Print)1424405610, 9781424405619
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
Event2006 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference and 15th International Workshop on Room-Temperature Semiconductor X- and Gamma-Ray Detectors, Special Focus Workshops, NSS/MIC/RTSD - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Oct 29 2006Nov 4 2006

Publication series

NameIEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record
Volume1
ISSN (Print)1095-7863

Conference

Conference2006 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium, Medical Imaging Conference and 15th International Workshop on Room-Temperature Semiconductor X- and Gamma-Ray Detectors, Special Focus Workshops, NSS/MIC/RTSD
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period10/29/0611/4/06

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