A portable neutron spectroscope (NSPECT) for detection, imaging and identification of nuclear material

James M. Ryan; Christopher Bancroft; Peter Bloser; Ulisse Bravar; Dominique Fourguette; Colin Frost; Liane Larocque; Mark L. McConnell; Jason Legere; Jane Pavlich; Greg Ritter; Greg Wassick; Joshua Wood; Richard Woolf

doi:10.1117/12.860652

2 September 2010 A portable neutron spectroscope (NSPECT) for detection, imaging and identification of nuclear material

James M. Ryan, Christopher Bancroft, Peter Bloser, Ulisse Bravar, Dominique Fourguette, Colin Frost, Liane Larocque, Mark L. McConnell, Jason Legere, Jane Pavlich, Greg Ritter, Greg Wassick, Joshua Wood, Richard Woolf

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7806, Penetrating Radiation Systems and Applications XI; 780607 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.860652
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We have developed, fabricated and tested a prototype imaging neutron spectrometer designed for real-time neutron source location and identification. Real-time detection and identification is important for locating materials. These materials, specifically uranium and transuranics, emit neutrons via spontaneous or induced fission. Unlike other forms of radiation (e.g. gamma rays), penetrating neutron emission is very uncommon. The instrument detects these neutrons, constructs images of the emission pattern, and reports the neutron spectrum. The device will be useful for security and proliferation deterrence, as well as for nuclear waste characterization and monitoring. The instrument is optimized for imaging and spectroscopy in the 1-20 MeV range. The detection principle is based upon multiple elastic neutron-proton scatters in organic scintillator. Two detector panel layers are utilized. By measuring the recoil proton and scattered neutron locations and energies, the direction and energy spectrum of the incident neutrons can be determined and discrete and extended sources identified. Event reconstruction yields an image of the source and its location. The hardware is low power, low mass, and rugged. Its modular design allows the user to combine multiple units for increased sensitivity. We will report the results of laboratory testing of the instrument, including exposure to a calibrated Cf-252 source. Instrument parameters include energy and angular resolution, gamma rejection, minimum source identification distances and times, and projected effective area for a fully populated instrument.

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James M. Ryan, Christopher Bancroft, Peter Bloser, Ulisse Bravar, Dominique Fourguette, Colin Frost, Liane Larocque, Mark L. McConnell, Jason Legere, Jane Pavlich, Greg Ritter, Greg Wassick, Joshua Wood, and Richard Woolf "A portable neutron spectroscope (NSPECT) for detection, imaging and identification of nuclear material", Proc. SPIE 7806, Penetrating Radiation Systems and Applications XI, 780607 (2 September 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.860652

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KEYWORDS

Sensors

Imaging spectroscopy

Scintillators

Electronics

Analog electronics

Liquids

Prototyping

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