1. Neutron Interrogation System For Underwater Threat Detection And Identification.
- Author
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Barzilov, Alexander P., Novikov, Ivan S., and Womble, Phil C.
- Subjects
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EXPLOSIVES detection , *GAMMA ray spectrometry , *NUCLEAR physics , *MILITARY supplies , *NEUTRON sources , *GAMMA ray detectors - Abstract
Wartime and terrorist activities, training and munitions testing, dumping and accidents have generated significant munitions contamination in the coastal and inland waters in the United States and abroad. Although current methods provide information about the existence of the anomaly (for instance, metal objects) in the sea bottom, they fail to identify the nature of the found objects. Field experience indicates that often in excess of 90% of objects excavated during the course of munitions clean up are found to be non-hazardous items (false alarm). The technology to detect and identify waterborne or underwater threats is also vital for protection of critical infrastructures (ports, dams, locks, refineries, and LNG/LPG). We are proposing a compact neutron interrogation system, which will be used to confirm possible threats by determining the chemical composition of the suspicious underwater object. The system consists of an electronic d-T 14-MeV neutron generator, a gamma detector to detect the gamma signal from the irradiated object and a data acquisition system. The detected signal then is analyzed to quantify the chemical elements of interest and to identify explosives or chemical warfare agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
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