Imaging and Radiography with Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence and Effective-Z (EZ-3DTM) Determination; SNM Detection Using Prompt Neutrons from Photon Induced Fission

摘要

Four new technologies have been developed for use in non-intrusive inspection systems to detect nuclearmaterials, explosives and contraband. Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence (NRF) provides a three dimensional image of theisotopic content of a container. NRF determines the isotopic composition of a region and specifies the isotopic structureof the neighboring regions, thus providing the detailed isotopic composition of any threat. In transmission mode, NRFprovides a two dimensional projection of the isotopic content of a container, much as standard X-ray radiographyprovides for density. The effective-Z method (EZ-3DTM) uses electromagnetic scattering processes to yield a three-dimensional map of the effective-Z and the density in a container. The EZ-3DTM method allows for a rapiddiscrimination based on effective Z and mass of materials such as those with high Z, as well as specifying regions ofinterest for other contraband. The energy spectrum of prompt neutrons from photon induced fission (PNPF) provides aunique identification of the presence of actinides and SNM. These four new technologies can be used independently ortogether to automatically determine the presence of hazardous materials or contraband. They can also be combined withother technologies to provide added specificity.