Proof of Principle for Active Detection of Fissionable Material Using Intense, Pulsed-Bremsstrahlung-Induced Photofission
Abstract
Photons of the appropriate energy can induce photofission in fissile material. We are investigating the applicability of this mechanism, using photons from bremsstrahlung, for long-range (~ 100 m) detection of fissile material using high-power (~ 1 TW), pulsed technology so called intense, pulsed active detection. In this report, we describe the results of laboratory, proof-of-principle experiments, supported by computations and analyses, in which a single pulse of 8-MeV endpoint bremsstrahlung from the Naval Research Laboratory Mercury pulsed-power generator (200-kA peak current, 50-ns pulse width) induces photofission in depleted uranium. Fission products are measured using He-3 proportional counters, and plastic (BC408), sodium-iodide (NaI:Tl), and bismuth-germinate-oxide scintillators. Prompt neutrons, delayed neutrons, and delayed gamma-rays from the induced photofission are measured unambiguously. Delayed neutron and gamma-ray measurements are also carried out with various thicknesses of low- and high-atomic-number materials attenuating the bremsstrahlung and fission signatures. Results of simulations and analyses carried out in support of the experiments are in agreement with the measurements. In addition, we demonstrate that relatively simple variations of the diode geometry can increase the efficiency of inducing fissions three-fold over the original geometry. These geometry changes cause the electron beam to be more normally incident onto the tantalum converter and thereby increase the forward-directed bremsstrahlung intensity without changing the driving, electrical power pulse. The results of this work and future directions for this research are presented in this report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 07, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA616555
Entities
People
- A. L. Hutcheson
- A. W. Hunt
- B. F. Phlips
- Bruce V. Weber
- David D. Hinshelwood
- Deane F. Mosher
- Donald P. Murphy
- E. A. Wulf
- Gerald Cooperstein
- J. C. Zier
- J. P. Apruzese
- Joseph W. Schumer
- Lee J. Mitchell
- Raymond J. Allen
- Richard S. Woolf
- Robert J. Commisso
- S. L. Jackson
- Stephen B. Swanekamp
- W. Neil Johnson
- Z. M. Larsen
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory