Application of Tagged Neutron Technology in Research, Industry, and Homeland Security

Abstract

Abstract. Each 14 MeV neutron of T(d,n)He4 reaction is accompanied (tagged) by 3.5 MeV alpha-particle emitted in the opposite direction. A position-and time-sensitive alpha-detector measures time and coordinates of the associated alpha-particle for determining the time and direction of the neutron escape. A spectrum of gamma rays emitted as a result of the interaction of tagged neutrons with nuclei allows the identification of the chemical composition of the irradiated object. The recording of alpha-gamma coincidences within a very narrow time window provides the possibility of background suppression by means of spatial and time discrimination of events. The Nanosecond Tagged Neutron Technology (NTNT) based on this principle has great potentialities in various fields, such as the study of neutron scattering, revision of neutron differential cross-sections, measuring the chemical composition of ores in mining industry, the detection of explosives, mines, drugs and chemical warfare agents, etc. The Dukhov Research Institute of Automatics produces a complete set of NTNT equipment, including neutron generators with built-in alpha-detectors, electronic hardware for alpha-gamma coincidence data acquisition, mobile and stationary NTNT systems for various research, industrial and homeland security applications.