Neutron detection is an essential aspect of interdiction of radiological threats for national security purposes, since plutonium, a material used for nuclear weapons, is a significant source of fission neutrons. Radiation portal monitoring systems, of which there are thousands deployed for homeland security and non-proliferation purposes, currently use 3He gas-filled proportional counters for detecting neutrons. Because of the high usage of 3He for neutron scattering science and national security, the supply has dwindled, and can no longer meet the demand. Consequently, a replacement technology for neutron detection is required in the very near future.
Revised: January 26, 2011 |
Published: August 11, 2010
Citation
Kouzes R.T., K.E. Conlin, J.H. Ely, L.E. Erikson, W.J. Kernan, A.T. Lintereur, and E.R. Siciliano, et al. 2010.Alternatives to 3He for Neutron Detection for Homeland Security. In Proceedings of the 51st Annual Meeting of the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management, July 11-15, 2010, Baltimore, Maryland. Deerfield, Illinois:INMM.PNNL-SA-72445.