Detection of buried explosives using portable neutron sources with nanosecond timing

Significant reduction of time needed to identify hidden explosives and other hazardous materials by the “neutron in, gamma out” method has been achieved by introducing timed (nanosecond) neutron sources—the so-called nanosecond neutron analysis technique. Prototype mobile device for explosives’ detection based on a timed (nanosecond) isotopic 252Cf neutron source has been created. The prototype is capable of identifying 400 g of hidden explosives in 10 min. Tests have been also made with a prototype device using timed (nanosecond) neutron source based on a portable D-T neutron generator with built-in segmented detector of accompanying α-particles. The presently achieved intensity of the neutron generator is 5×107 n/s into 4π, with over 106 of these neutrons being correlated with α-particles detected by the built-in α-particle detector. Results of measurements with an anti-personnel landmine imitator are presented.