Towards the development of an explosives detection system using Neutron Resonance Radiography

Abstract

Detection of conventional explosives remains a challenge to air security, as indicated by recent reports detailing lapses in security screening and new requirements that mandate screening 100% of checked luggage. Neutron Resonance Radiography (NRR) has been under investigation as a supplement to conventional x-ray systems as a non-invasive, non-destructive means of detecting explosive material in checked luggage. Using fast (1-6 MeV) neutrons produced by an accelerator-based D(d,n)3He reaction and a scintillator-coupled CCD camera, NRR provides both an imaging capability and the ability to determine the chemical composition of materials in baggage or cargo. Theoretical studies and simulations have shown the potential of NRR. This thesis takes the first step towards experimental implementation using a deuterium target for multiple-element discrimination. A new neutron source has been developed to provide the high-flux neutron beam required for NRR while simultaneously minimizing gamma ray production. The gas target incorporates a 4 atm D2 gas chamber, separated from the accelerator beamline with thin, 5 [tm tungsten or 7 [im molybdenum foils supported by a honeycomb lattice structure to increase structural integrity and provide a heat removal pathway. An argon gas cooling system is incorporated to cool the target and thus increase the neutron flux. The gas target has been shown to withstand 3.0 MeV deuteron beam currents in excess of 35 ýLA for extended periods without failure, resulting in a neutron flux of 6.6 x 107 neutrons/sr/LA/s. A neutron imaging system was designed to detect the fast neutrons and produce a digital image of objects for analysis.

(cont.) Two neutron detectors, Eljen plastic scintillator EJ-200 and a ZnS(Ag) scintillating screen were tested for their suitability to NRR. Although ZnS(Ag) has a lower detection efficiency, its resolution, minimal light dispersion, and insensitivity to gamma rays made it the more favorable material. An Apogee Instruments, Inc., Alta U9 CCD camera was used to record the light from the scintillator to create radiographs. The gas target and neutron detection system were used to evaluate the results of experimental work to determine the feasibility of NRR. These experiments ultimately indicated that although NRR has promise, significant challenges regarding neutron flux and image processing must be overcome before the technique can be implemented as an explosives detection system. Suggestions are made for improvements.