Nuclear resonance fluorescence is a physical process that provides an isotopic-specific signature that could be used for the identification and characterization of materials. The technique involves the detection of prompt discrete-energy photons emitted from a sample which is exposed to photons in the MeV energy range. Potential applications of the technique range from detection of high explosives to characterization of special nuclear materials. One isotope of significant interest is 235U. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Passport Systems have collaborated to conduct measurements to search for a nuclear resonance fluorescence response of 235U below 3 MeV using a 200 g sample of highly enriched uranium. Nine 235U resonances between 1650 and 2010 keV were identified in the preliminary analysis. Analysis of the measurement data to determine the integrated cross sections of the resonances is in progress.
Revised: July 2, 2010 |
Published: July 13, 2009
Citation
Warren G.A., J.A. Caggiano, W.K. Hensley, E.A. Lepel, S.L. Pratt, W. Bertozzi, and S. Korbly, et al. 2009.Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence of U-235. In IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record, 2006, 2, 914-917. Piscataway, New Jersey:I E E E.PNNL-SA-52561.doi:10.1109/NSSMIC.2006.355995