Feasibility study of explosive detection for airport security using a neutron source

Application of on-line prompt gamma activation analysis technique to the detection of explosive-like materials in airports is presented. The explosive detecting assembly consists of five bismuth germanate scintillation detectors, five timing single-channel analyzers and one 20 μg 252Cf isotopic neut...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied radiation and isotopes 1993-12, Vol.44 (12), p.1425-1431
Main Authors: Chung, Chien, Liu, Sheng-Ming, Chao, Jiunn-Hsing, Chan, Cheng-Chan
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Ground, air and sea transportation, marine construction
Miscellaneous transportation
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Summary:Application of on-line prompt gamma activation analysis technique to the detection of explosive-like materials in airports is presented. The explosive detecting assembly consists of five bismuth germanate scintillation detectors, five timing single-channel analyzers and one 20 μg 252Cf isotopic neutron source. Low-level discriminator and energy window for each timing single channel analyzer were adjusted to the proper energy range to detect the 10.8 MeV high-energy prompt photon emitted from the 14N(n, γ) reaction, which the nitrogen in chemical explosives has in high proportions. Urea is used in laboratory tests to simulate an explosive-like material. The space-flux distribution of thermal neutrons near inspected luggage and the detection limit of explosives with various scanning periods were determined. The features and possible modifications of this preliminary setup for airport security inspection are discussed in detail.
ISSN:0969-8043
1872-9800
DOI:10.1016/0969-8043(93)90095-R