Experimental optimization of a landmine detection facility using PGNAA method

The optimum moderator geometry increases the performance of prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) method considerably. In this work an 241Am-Be source was used in the moderator geometry for detecting buried landmines by PGNAA method. Experiments were done to find the best moderator geometry for the moderated 241Am-Be source, by replacing the mine with a neutron detector and counting the thermal neutron flux. The flux of thermal neutrons at the place of mine was used as a determining factor to introduce the best moderator geometry.