A new facility for non-destructive assay using a 252Cf source

A new laboratory facility for non-destructive analysis (NDA) using a time-tagged 252Cf source is presented. The system is designed to analyze samples having maximum size of about 20×25 cm2, the material recognition being obtained by measuring simultaneously total and energy dependent transmission of neutrons and gamma rays. The equipment technical characteristics and performances of the NDA system are presented, exploring also limits due to the sample thickness. Some recent applications in the field of cultural heritage are presented.

► Tagged 252Cf source setup.
► Material recognition and sample imaging with measurements of gamma ray and neutron transmission.
► Material identification via energy dependent neutron and gamma ray transmission measurements.
► Identification of layered material.
► Effects due to the sample thickness on the above identification techniques.