Photoneutron interrogation of low-enriched uranium induced by bremsstrahlung from a 4 MeV linac

Revealing smuggled nuclear material by passive γ-detection is hindered, because the weak radiation can easily be shielded. Neutrons, as penetrate shielding, represent a detection potential, by inducing fission in the nuclear material. A 4 MeV linear accelerator was used as a pulsed neutron source for active interrogation of U-bearing material. Produced in heavy water by bremsstrahlung, neutrons subsequently induced fissions in UO2 samples. Delayed fission neutrons were detected in a neutron collar built up by 3He counters in a polyamide container. The counters were gated to be detached from high voltage during the electron pulse. Irradiation-measurement cycles were carried out with a 25 Hz pulse repetition rate as optimum setting. The time analyser start-up was externally triggered and synchronised by the electron beam pulse. The response of the system was studied as a function of the intensity of the electron current, the amount of heavy water, U enrichment, and total U content. Sensitivity limit was achieved as 0.5 g 235U and/or 30 g 238U in a 20 s measurement time (500 cycles) with the amount of heavy water of 100 g and a mean electron current of 2 μA. Because of the long decay time of the prompt (interrogating and fission) neutron pulse, about a half of the time interval (40 ms) between pulses is only available for counting delayed neutrons.