A neutron based interrogation system to detect explosive materials .

摘要

Neutron induced elemental analysis using return gamma ray spectrometry is a useful technique to differentiate dangerous materials from common materials. This work describes the implementation of a scanning device designed to detect explosive materials in small, sealed containers. Deploying such a scanning device at a checkpoint is attractive because it allows fully automated decision making, unlike x-ray systems. In addition, the search can be carried out in a non-intrusive way that allows potentially dangerous materials to be quickly separated from benign materials. This work develops the theory of material classification using neutron interrogation and puts this theory into practice. To verify all aspects of this approach a fully operational prototype has been built and its sensitivity as a function of detection time and quantity of explosives is presented.