Californium-252 neutron sources

Karelin, Yevgeni A.; Gordeev, Yan N.; Karasev, V.I.; Radchenko, V.M.; Schimbarev, Yevgeni V.; Kuznetsov, R. A.

doi:10.1016/s0969-8043(97)00156-5

Cited by 15 publications

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“…The fission neutron spectra are distinct from that of the AmBe source and share similar distributions to each other, with the peak intensity at ~1 MeVee [21]. For general use as a neutron source, 252 Cf was highlighted as having an advantage over (α,n) sources due to its 'soft neutron spectra and low gamma activity' [27], although in the case of acting as a proxy for SNM, the reduced γ-ray emission may be considered a disadvantage.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the suitability of three proxy sources for the development of detectors of special nuclear materials

et al. 2020

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Numerous techniques and equipment have been developed to provide a capability for the detection of special nuclear materials (SNM), but due to the necessary security measures surrounding these materials alternate, or proxy, neutron sources are often utilised in their stead. In this paper we report the neutron and gamma pulse shape discrimination response of plastic scintillator to mixed neutron/gamma beams produced from two radionuclide neutron sources, and also from an SNM source of weapons-grade plutonium. We discuss the suitability of using radionuclide sources, with appropriate shielding configurations as proxy sources for SNM. A 3σnth-γ discrimination level has been achieved for an SNM source at a low-level energy threshold of ∼220 keVee when a shielding configuration of 5 cm of lead was implemented. Varying amounts of lead and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) shielding were also investigated with the 3σ limit being reached by ∼240 keVee. This work shows that an AmBe neutron source serves as an appropriate SNM proxy achieving a comparable value for figure of merit above ∼1 MeVee. For energies below 1 MeVee down to ∼100 keVee a closer approximation of the expected FoM for SNM can be attained when using 252Cf as a proxy source or by utilising an ‘enhanced’ AmBe source with the addition of a further low energy γ ray source.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the suitability of three proxy sources for the development of detectors of special nuclear materials

et al. 2020

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Prompt γ‐Neutron Activation Analysis

Oliveira

Salgado

Carvalho

2000

Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry

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Prompt γ‐neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) is a multielemental analytical technique based on the detection of γ‐rays emitted by excited nuclei following neutron radioactive capture or neutron inelastic scattering. The accumulated count rate relative to the γ‐ray energy characteristic of a certain isotope depends on its concentration. Measurements take place during sample irradiation. The technique can provide accurate information on the elemental composition of materials in a broad range of cases: raw materials, mineral exploration, contaminants, detection of forbidden products, such as drugs and explosives, inspection of containers and applications in health care. Among the main advantages of the PGNAA technique are: faster results; nondestructiveness; flexible sample requirements; bulk sample analysis; in situ application by direct on‐line measurement; detectable unique signatures for most elements; improved accuracy for short‐lived elements; low residual activity. On the other hand, the most significant limitations are: higher detection limits (DLs) as compared with delayed γ‐neutron activation analysis (DGNAA); longer irradiation times; single (one‐cycle) sample irradiation; impracticability of enhancing a specific isotope contribution by radiochemical or physical (half‐life) separation techniques; requirement for relatively larger samples.

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Californium

Haire¹

2010

The Chemistry of the Actinide and Transactinide Elements

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Californium-252 neutron sources

Cited by 15 publications

References 0 publications

Assessing the suitability of three proxy sources for the development of detectors of special nuclear materials

Assessing the suitability of three proxy sources for the development of detectors of special nuclear materials

Prompt γ‐Neutron Activation Analysis

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