Autonomous Neutron Facility for Detecting Fissile Nuclear Materials

Abstract

The prospect of creating an autonomous neutron facility for the detection of fissile nuclear materials in samples, including those in confined volume, is discussed. It is proposed to obtain a reference field of thermal neutrons on the basis of a polyethylene moderator ball and a portable fast neutrons source, developed at NRC “Accelerator” NSC KIPT based of a continuous electrostatic accelerator of deuterons. The developed source of thermal neutrons is planned to be used to activate small objects and goods in order to identify substances prohibited for movement containing to find ²³³U, ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu in their composition. The prompt finding of fissile elements will indicate about an attempt to transport them illegally. A more thorough inspection can be carried out using special equipment after the detention of suspicious goods, citizens or vehicles. The possibility of detecting prompt fission neutrons is considered not only in the traditional way using a polyethylene moderator and proportional ³He detector, but also without application of any moderator using oxide or semiconductor scintillators. For detection fissile materials the method based on using the high-energy part of the γ-spectrum of fission fragments (greater than 4900 keV), as well, as the approach applied in the passive non-destructive analysis by the γ-line with E_g = 185.7 keV from ²³⁵U, are substantiated. It is shown that the proposed facility for the detection of fissile nuclear materials is able to determine the presence of isotopes ²³³U, ²³⁵U and ²³⁹Pu in tested objects and goods with the using non-destructive testing method.