Neutron Activation Analysis and Characterization of Modern Urban Materials
Abstract
This proposal seeks to understand how modern materials such as LEDs that can be commonly found in urban environments respond to the high neutron and gamma-ray exposures associated with a nuclear attack, in particular looking to understand relatively early time signatures in a postdetonation environment. Using the University of Florida Training Reactor, we seek to implement comparative and ko neutron activation analysis methods and perform both gamma-ray and charged particle spectroscopy to characterize the materials of interest, namely, LEDs and LED displays. We will perform neutron activation analysis in order to determine short-lived signatures (i.e., halflives ranging on the order of minutes to hours) of various LED materials, and create a new database library of neutron activation signatures for these modern electronic materials. In addition, we will carry out thorough material characterization of these irradiated materials in order to better understand their radiation-induced damage associated with exposures relevant to a nuclear attack. The project will involve collaboration among materials scientists/engineers and nuclear engineers at the University of Florida. This fundamental science effort aims to create high-fidelity quantitative database on neutron activation signatures and damage effects that can aid nuclear emergency response and post-detonation nuclear forensics scientists and personnel. The 3-year project will initially study activation analysis and material characterization of individual LEDs associated with electronic billboards. In year 1, we will perform neutron activation analysis of an array of LEDs and determine the radiation signatures from LEDs for a variety of irradiation times. We will also perform pre and post-irradiation material characterization of the LEDs to investigate radiation-induced damage effects for potential signatures for neutron irradiation. In Year 2, we will complete LED-only irradiations and develop a searchable database of NAA of LEDs based on our experiments that can be referenced by others performing similar work. Additional characterization will be performed to identify subtle difference due to LED color. In Year 3, will be perform analyses of different LED display materials, and investigate the complications in signature analysis that can occur when LEDs get co-irradiated with the additional components from the display boards. These effects on NAA and radiation damage effects will be incorporated into our database to create a higher degree of accuracy and authenticity to the data.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 16, 2019
- Source ID
- HDTRA11810024
Entities
People
- James Baciak
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- University of Florida