Photonuclear-based Explosive Detection System Optimizations

W. Y. Yoon, J. L. Jones, K. J. Haskell, D. R. Norman

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

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL) has developed a photoneutron-based nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique that uses a pulsed, high energy (2-to 12-MeV) electron accelerator and a customized high-purity germanium-based gamma-ray spectroscopy system. This NDE technique is being applied to the detection of nitrogen-containing explosives. Each pulse of electrons produces highly penetrating bremsstrahlung photons. Interrogating neutrons are generated by the bremsstrahlung photons interacting within a photoneutron source. The interaction of these interrogating neutrons with an object-of-interest generates elemental characteristic gamma rays. Spectrometry is performed between accelerator pulses by analyzing these neutron-capture gamma rays. Calculations have been performed to study the neutron production in the D2O converter and the subsequent 14N neutron capture reactions in the chemical explosive simulant drum, the effectiveness of the neutron reflector and moderator, and the 14N neutron capture reactions in the air. Measurements were made with the simulant drum and the results were compared with the numerical results. Correlating the numerical studies, experimental results, and the accelerator parameters will help optimize the system.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationApplication of Accelerators in Research and Industry
Subtitle of host publication17th International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry
EditorsJerome L. Duggan, Margaret Hall, Ira Lon Morgan
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
Pages909-912
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)0735401497
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 26 2003
Event17th International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry - Denton, United States
Duration: Nov 12 2002Nov 16 2002

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume680
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference17th International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenton
Period11/12/0211/16/02

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