Report on development of neutron passportisation method

摘要

In this report the results of development of spatial neutron passportisation method are described. The method is aimed on spatial configuration (including the number of sources) control of closed objects containing neutron sources. The possible areas of method application are: (1) the number of warheads control inside the missile heads for RF-US nuclear disarmament treaties verification; (2) control of SNM containers arrangement in storage vaults; (3) control of complicated assemblies with SNM (and other radioactive materials) to remain unchanged. For objects with complicated structure such as multiple reentry vehicles the direct interpretation of observed radiation field configuration is rather difficult task. The reconstruction of object structure on basis of radiation field configuration usually require use of external information and is often not obvious. Besides, while using such methods of direct reconstruction of object internal structure the contradiction arises between the requirement of defining sources arrangement (warheads in case of arms control) and requirement of information protection concerning the sources themselves. In this case there may be different limitations on possible spatial resolution of method, use of spectroscopy information, etc.