RFQ-accelerator-based neutron radiography and tomography system

Richard C. Lanza; Yoel Fink; Erik. B. Iverson; Eric W. McFarland; Shuanghe Shi

doi:10.1117/12.267929

27 February 1997 RFQ-accelerator-based neutron radiography and tomography system

Richard C. Lanza, Yoel Fink, Erik. B. Iverson, Eric W. McFarland, Shuanghe Shi

Proceedings Volume 2867, International Conference Neutrons in Research and Industry; (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.267929
Event: Fifth International Conference on Applications of Nuclear Techniques: Neutrons in Research and Industry, 1996, Crete, Greece

Abstract

Transportable accelerator based sources are the only means by which large structures such as aircraft or industrial components can be inspected practically using neutron radiography. Since such sources are generally considerably lower in flux than reactors, the entire system must be designed for high imaging efficiency. We describe an imaging system for accelerator based thermal neutron tomography and radiography based on the use of a radiofrequency quadrupole (RFQ) using a Be target. Fast neutrons, produced through the reaction ⁹Be₄(d,n)¹⁰B₅, are moderated with typical thermalized neutron fluence rates of 10³ to 10⁴ n/cm²/s, depending on the collimation. The camera system consists of a 1242 by 1152 pixel CCD cooled to -50 degrees C viewing a 20 by 20 cm NE-426 scintillator through an F/0.9 100 mm focal length lends. Our experiments show that neutron statistical noise and not the performance of the CCD system is the dominant limitation in the camera. We have used the system for imaging corrosion in lap joints of KC-135 aircraft and have been able to quantify corrosion within the joint.

Citation Download Citation

Richard C. Lanza, Yoel Fink, Erik. B. Iverson, Eric W. McFarland, and Shuanghe Shi "RFQ-accelerator-based neutron radiography and tomography system", Proc. SPIE 2867, International Conference Neutrons in Research and Industry, (27 February 1997); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.267929

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