Title :
Observation of 238U photofission products
Author :
Wehe, D.K. ; Yang, H. ; Jone, M.H.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Nucl. Eng. & Radiol. Sci., Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor, MI, USA
fDate :
6/1/2006 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Sophisticated solutions are being developed by researchers to improve detection of clandestine fissile material. In this work, a simpler approach is investigated as an interim solution. Using the existing 9-MeV X-ray radiography units deployed for cargo inspection, delayed fission product gamma rays from induced photofission are seen minutes after probing a small sample of 238U. By acquiring both time and energy information, a relatively large number of usable fission products can be identified. Using the radiographic images along with an efficient portable scintillator capable of detecting gamma rays above 3 MeV may provide a cost-effective improvement to existing inspection systems.
Keywords :
X-ray spectroscopy; fission of uranium; fission products; gamma-ray detection; photofission; radiography; 238U photofission products; X-ray radiography units; cargo inspection; clandestine fissile material detection; cost-effective improvement; delayed fission product gamma rays; efficient portable scintillator capable; gamma ray detection; interim solution; radiographic images; time-energy information; Delay; Gamma ray detection; Gamma ray detectors; Gamma rays; Inspection; Laboratories; Neutrons; Radiation detectors; Radioactive decay; Radiography; Accelerator; inspection; radiation detectors; special nuclear material;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
DOI :
10.1109/TNS.2006.875154
