AWE development of active interrogation techniques for the detection of SNM

M. Owen; G. Weston; J. O'Malley

doi:10.1117/12.818143

8 May 2009 AWE development of active interrogation techniques for the detection of SNM

M. Owen, G. Weston, J. O'Malley

Proceedings Volume 7304, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing X; 73041K (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.818143
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2009, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Active interrogation techniques using photons (<10 MeV) and low energy neutrons are currently being investigated at AWE for the remote detection of special nuclear material (SNM). To identify the presence of SNM the induced fission signatures are measured. AWE is investigating the combination of the photon and neutron techniques to provide robust detection for shielded scenarios involving either hydrogenous or high Z materials. A brief description of the interrogation sources is given with consideration to the extraction of high fidelity fission signatures in the presence of typical naturally occurring radioactive material and other background signals generated by the interrogation process. Initial results are presented from MCNPX simulations of prompt and delayed neutrons and γ-rays produced from the induced fission of SNM. Photon and low energy neutron interrogation simulations are compared to identify requirements for an initial common detection system.

Citation Download Citation

M. Owen, G. Weston, and J. O'Malley "AWE development of active interrogation techniques for the detection of SNM", Proc. SPIE 7304, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE) Sensing X, 73041K (8 May 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.818143

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