Fast multiplicity counter featuring stilbene detectors for special nuclear material assay

A. Di Fulvio, S. D. Clarke, T. Jordan, T. Shin, C. Sosa, M. M. Bourne, D. Chichester, S. A. Pozzi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

A fast neutron multiplicity counting system based on organic scintillators, i.e. EJ-309 and stilbene, has been developed and experimentally tested at the University of Michigan. The system is able to detect correlated photon and neutron multiplets emitted by the fission reaction, within a gate time of tens of nanoseconds. This counting strategy is exploited to quantify fissile mass, without the need of complex electronic circuitry and unfolding procedures, otherwise required in moderated systems. Moderated systems are traditionally based on helium-3 detectors and feature a gate time of hundreds of microseconds. Measurement precision is thus negatively affected by accidental coincidences. A prototypal version of the proposed well-shaped counter was assembled and tested in the laboratory, using a spontaneous fission and an (α, n) neutron source, i.e. 252Cf and PuBe respectively. Measured results show excellent agreement with the simulated model of the system. The viability of the system to discriminate time-correlated fission neutrons from random, uncorrelated neutrons was proved. Preliminary results of an experimental campaign, carried out at INL (Idaho National Laboratory), to characterize plutonium metal samples are also shown. Results show a monotonic increasing trend for the range of measured 240-Pu effective masses, i.e. 0.024-0.5 kg, enabling the measurement of the mass of an unknown sample.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2015 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781467398626
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 3 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event2015 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2015 - San Diego, United States
Duration: Oct 31 2015Nov 7 2015

Publication series

Name2015 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2015

Other

Other2015 IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference, NSS/MIC 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period10/31/1511/7/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nuclear and High Energy Physics
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging
  • Instrumentation

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