Patrick M. Shea

Thermal neutron analysis (TNA) explosive detection based on electronic neutron generators

Abstract Thermal neutron analysis explosive detection systems have been developed and demonstrated for inspection of checked airline baggage and for detection of buried land mines. Thermal neutrons from a moderated neutron source impinge on the inspected object, and the resulting capture gamma ray signatures provide detection information. Isotopic neutron sources, e.g. 252 Cf, are compact, economical and reliable, but they are subject to the licensing requirements, safety concerns and public perception problems associated with radioactive material. These are mitigated by use of an electronic neutron generator — an ion accelerator with a target producing neutrons by a nuclear reaction such as D(d, n) 3 He or 9 Be(d, n) 10 B. With suitable moderator designs based on neutron transport codes, operational explosive detection systems can be built and would provide effective alternatives to radioactive neutron sources. Calculations as well as laboratory and field experience with three generator types will be presented.

Explosive detection system based on thermal neutron activation

Nuclear-based techniques for the detection of bulk explosives are described. These techniques are shown to provide the only feasible approach for meeting the operational criteria of high throughput of screening luggage and cargo against concealed explosives in air transportation. The nuclear-based techniques are characterized by probing the screened object (e.g. luggage) with highly penetrating radiation, i.e. neutrons or energetic gamma rays. High-energy gamma rays produced by the probing radiation are characteristic to the elemental composition of the objects. The gamma rays are detected by an array of detectors placed near the object. The intensity, energy, and spatial distribution of the detected radiation and their relationship to the primary radiation allow a computer to determine the presence or absence of explosives. The nature of neutron interactions, the gamma detectors used, and the data analysis on which the decision is based are discussed. >

Nuclear Based Explosive Detection Systems-1992 Status

Over the past several years the attitude towards nuclear based explosive detection systems (EDS) has fluctuated between euphoria to disappointment. This had to do little with technical merits and more with a host of other issues raging from changing perceptions of threats and resulting systems’ requirements, to the effect of security regulations on the health of the commercial airline industry. Despite these tribulations, progress continues. Six thermal neutron analysis (TNA) EDS’s have been deployed in several airports in the U.S.A. and abroad. While providing the users with valuable security services, a large amount of data has been collected, allowing further improvements. Indeed the currently deployed TNA systems are an improved version of the first one installed in 1989 at the JFK International Airport’s TWA terminal. Significant additional enhancements in performance, which resulted from recent laboratory studies are awaiting approval for implementation in the existing systems.

Laminography using resonant neutron attenuation for detection of drugs and explosives

Resonant neutron attenuation has been shown to be usable for assaying elements which constitute explosives, cocaine, and heroin. By careful analysis of attenuation measurements, the determination of the presence or absence of explosives can be determined. Simple two dimensional radiographic techniques only give results for areal density and consequently will be limited in their effectiveness. Classical tomographic techniques are both computationally very intensive and place strict requirements on the quality and amount of data acquired. These requirements and computations take time and are likely to be very difficult to perform in real time. Simulation studies described in this article have shown that laminographic image reconstruction can be used effectively with resonant neutron attenuation measurements to interrogate luggage for explosives or drugs. The design of the system described in this article is capable of pseudo-three dimensional image reconstruction of all of the elemental densities pertinent to explosive and drug detection.Resonant neutron attenuation has been shown to be usable for assaying elements which constitute explosives, cocaine, and heroin. By careful analysis of attenuation measurements, the determination of the presence or absence of explosives can be determined. Simple two dimensional radiographic techniques only give results for areal density and consequently will be limited in their effectiveness. Classical tomographic techniques are both computationally very intensive and place strict requirements on the quality and amount of data acquired. These requirements and computations take time and are likely to be very difficult to perform in real time. Simulation studies described in this article have shown that laminographic image reconstruction can be used effectively with resonant neutron attenuation measurements to interrogate luggage for explosives or drugs. The design of the system described in this article is capable of pseudo-three dimensional image reconstruction of all of the elemental densities pertinent ...