High speed data acquistion for contraband identification using neutron transmission

摘要

A high speed data acquisition system has been assembled for the identification of contraband in sealed containers. Number densities though a sample can be determined by measuring the neutron attenuation as a function of energy using pulsed beam time of flight techniques. The neutron attenuation is determined by measuring and comparing the neutron transmission with and without the container in the neutron beam. The neutron transmission is determined by measuring the time of flight of neutrons with an array of detectors. Time constraints dictate that a high speed data acquisition system be developed for time of flight measurements. This detection system includes an array of individual photomultiplier tubes (PMT) interfaced to a high speed, high density digital electronics system. The state of the art digital system operates under a LabView graphical user interface. The number of electronic components has been optimized to keep size and cost to a minimum.