Quantitative non-destructive assay of PuBe neutron sources

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section B, Beam interactions with materials and atoms Beam interactions with materials and atoms, 2006-02, Vol.243 (2), p.385-391
• Main Authors: Lakosi, László, Bagi, János, Nguyen, Cong Tam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Gross and coincidence neutron counting; High resolution gamma spectrometry; Illicit trafficking; NDA; Pu isotope abundances; Pu–Be neutron sources
• ISSN: 0168-583X; 1872-9584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2005.08.185

PuBe neutron sources were assayed, using a combination of high resolution γ-spectrometry (HRGS) and neutron correlation technique. In a previous publication [J. Bagi, C. Tam Nguyen, L. Lakosi, Nucl. Instr. and Meth. B 222 (2004) 242] a passive neutron well-counter was reported with 3He tubes embedded in a polyamide (TERRAMID) moderator (lined inside with Cd) surrounding the sources to be measured. Gross and coincidence neutron counting was performed, and the Pu content of the sources was found out from isotope analysis and by adopting specific (α, n) reaction yields of the Pu isotopes and 241Am in Be, based on supplier’s information and literature data. The method was further developed and refined. Evaluation algorithm was more precisely worked out. The contribution of secondary (correlated) neutrons to the total neutron output was derived from the coincidence (doubles) count rate and taken into account in assessing the Pu content. A new evaluation of former results was performed. Assay was extended to other PuBe sources, and new results were added. In order to attain higher detection efficiency, a more efficient moderator was also applied, with and without Cd shielding around the assay chamber. Calibration seems possible using neutron measurements only (without γ-spectrometry), based on a correlation between the Pu amount and the coincidence-to-total ratio. It is expected that the method could be used for Pu accountancy and safeguards verification as well as identification and assay of seized, found, or not documented PuBe neutron sources.