Abstract–Nuclear resonance fluorescence is a physical process that provides an isotope-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 that 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 such as 235U. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Passport Systems have collaborated to conduct a a pair of measurements to search for a nuclear resonance fluorescence response of 235U above 3 MeV and of 238U above 5 MeV using an 8 g sample of highly enriched uranium and a 90 g sample of depleted uranium. No new signatures were observed. The minimum detectable integrated cross section for 235U is presented.
Revised: July 2, 2010 |
Published: November 14, 2008
Citation
Warren G.A., J.A. Caggiano, W. Bertozzi, S. Korbly, R. Ledoux, and W.H. Park. 2008.On the Search for Nuclear Resonance Fluorescence Signatures of 235U and 238U above 3 MeV. In IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium Conference Record, NSS '08, October 19-25, 2008, Dresden, Germany, 675-680. Piscataway, New Jersey:IEEE Service Center.PNNL-18037.doi:10.1109/NSSMIC.2008.4775222