Real-time, fast neutron coincidence assay of plutonium with a 4-channel multiplexed analyzer and organic scintillators

Joyce, M. J., Gamage, K. A.A. , Aspinall, M. D., Cave, F. D. and Lavietes, A. (2014) Real-time, fast neutron coincidence assay of plutonium with a 4-channel multiplexed analyzer and organic scintillators. IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science, 61(3), pp. 1340-1348. (doi: 10.1109/TNS.2014.2313574)

Abstract

The design, principle of operation and the results of measurements made with a four-channel organic scintillator system are described. The system comprises four detectors and a multiplexed analyzer for the real-time parallel processing of fast neutron events. The function of the real-time, digital multiple-channel pulse-shape discrimination analyzer is described together with the results of laboratory-based measurements with 252Cf, 241Am-Li and plutonium. The analyzer is based on a single-board solution with integrated high-voltage supplies and graphical user interface. It has been developed to meet the requirements of nuclear materials assay of relevance to safeguards and security. Data are presented for the real-time coincidence assay of plutonium in terms of doubles count rate versus mass. This includes an assessment of the limiting mass uncertainty for coincidence assay based on a 100 s measurement period and samples in the range 0-50 g. Measurements of count rate versus order of multiplicity for 252Cf and 241Am-Li and combinations of both are also presented.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gamage, Professor Kelum
• Authors: Joyce, M. J., Gamage, K. A.A., Aspinall, M. D., Cave, F. D., and Lavietes, A.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering
• Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Nuclear Science
• Publisher: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• ISSN: 0018-9499
• ISSN (Online): 1558-1578
• Published Online: 20 May 2014