Chemical composition identification using fast neutrons

Measurements of characteristic gamma ray spectra resulting from A(n, n’γ)A reactions induced by 14 MeV neutrons on different bulk samples (graphite, water, melamin) were performed. Of particular importance are results of experiments with objects buried in the soil. It has been shown that samples of graphite can be identified when buried under 10 cm of soil. NaI(Tl) and BaF2 scintilators were used as gamma ray detectors. Background radiation was reduced by the associated alpha particle technique.