Proposal of Nondestructive Radionuclide Assay Using a High-Flux Gamma-Ray Source and Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence

Abstract

A nondestructive assay system for radioactive waste management is proposed. The system utilizes nuclear resonance fluorescence triggered by a quasi-monochromatic high-flux gamma ray generated from the Compton scattering of laser photons by relativistic electrons. We employ an energy-recovery linac as an electron source and a mode-locked fiber laser followed by a laser supercavity as a photon source. The combination of these novel technologies realizes a gamma-ray flux much higher than existing sources using electron storage rings. The proposed gamma-ray source produces a quasi-monochromatic gamma ray with a flux of 10 10 /s/keV, which is high enough for industrial applications such as the nondestructive analysis of radionuclides in nuclear waste and the interrogation of fissile material in cargoes. The nuclear resonance fluorescence triggered by quasi-monochromatic gamma rays provides a versatile method of nondestructive analysis of both radioactive and stable nuclides.

Delbrück Scattering Calculation Using the LoopTools Package

“…We are in the process of constructing the code for the Delbrück scattering cross section and anticipate longer calculation times due to the complexity of the integrals involved. Such calculations will be needed for comparison with the anticipated high precision available from next generation high flux γ-ray sources [4,5].…”

“…Activities mostly ceased on Delbrück scattering in the early 1990's [3]. However, due to the possibility of high flux γ-rays with small energy spread from next generation laser Compton scattering sources [4,5], precise measurements of the cross section is possible. For example, the Extreme Light Infrastructure-Nuclear Physics (ELI-NP) facility is projected to have a γ-beam facility with a maximum energy of 13.2 MeV and total flux of 10 13 photons per second [5].…”

Nondestructive detection of hidden chemical compounds with laser Compton-scattering gamma rays

“…1͒. 14 By measuring the NRF scattering ␥-rays, we can detect the nuclear species of interest since the NRF ␥-ray energies depend on the nuclear species, as shown in Fig. 1.…”

The ABCD matrix for parabolic reflectors and its application to astigmatism free four-mirror cavities

“…Fabry-Perot cavities [1] are nowadays used to stack high average-and peak-power pulsed laser-beams in various applications: quasi-monochromatic X/γ ray beam production [2][3][4], high harmonic generation [5], polarized positron production [6], nuclear waste management [7], γ γ -collisions [8]. However, since the mode properties of these resonators solely depend on their geometries, specific optical designs must be supplied to fulfill the requirements of these applications.…”