APSTNG: neutron interrogation for detection of explosives, drugs, and nuclear and chemical warfare materials

Edgar A. Rhodes; Charles W. Peters

doi:10.1117/12.138659

2 February 1993 APSTNG: neutron interrogation for detection of explosives, drugs, and nuclear and chemical warfare materials

Edgar A. Rhodes, Charles W. Peters

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 1737, Neutrons, X Rays, and Gamma Rays: Imaging Detectors, Material Characterization Techniques, and Applications; (1993) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138659
Event: San Diego '92, 1992, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

A recently developed neutron diagnostic probe system has the potential to satisfy a significant number of van-mobile and fixed-portal requirements for nondestructive detection, including monitoring of contraband explosives, drugs, and weapon materials, and treaty verification of sealed munitions. The probe is based on a unique associated-particle sealed-tube neutron generator (APSTNG) that interrogates the object of interest with a low-intensity beam of 14- MeV neutrons generated from the deuterium-tritium reaction and that detects the alpha-particle associated with each neutron. Gamma-ray spectra of resulting neutron reactions identify nuclides associated with all major chemicals in explosives, drugs, and chemical warfare agents, as well as many pollutants and fissile and fertile special nuclear material. Flight times determined from detection times of the gamma-rays and alpha-particles yield a separate coarse tomographic image of each identified nuclide. The APSTNG also forms the basis for a compact fast-neutron transmission imaging system that can be used along with or instead of the emission imaging system. Proof-of-concept experiments have been performed under laboratory conditions for simulated nuclear and chemical warfare munitions and for explosives and drugs. The small and relatively inexpensive APSTNG exhibits high reliability and can be quickly replaced. Surveillance systems based on APSTNG technology can avoid the large physical size, high capital and operating expenses, and reliability problems associated with complex accelerators.

Citation Download Citation

Edgar A. Rhodes and Charles W. Peters "APSTNG: neutron interrogation for detection of explosives, drugs, and nuclear and chemical warfare materials", Proc. SPIE 1737, Neutrons, X Rays, and Gamma Rays: Imaging Detectors, Material Characterization Techniques, and Applications, (2 February 1993); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138659

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