Status of the prototype Pulsed Photonuclear Assessment (PPA) inspection system
The Idaho National Laboratory, in collaboration with Idaho State University's Idaho Accelerator Center and the Los Alamos National Laboratory, continues to develop the Pulsed Photonuclear Assessment (PPA) technique for shielded nuclear material detection in large volume configurations, such as cargo containers. In recent years, the Department of Homeland Security has supported the development of a prototype PPA cargo inspection system. This PPA system integrates novel neutron and gamma-ray detectors for nuclear material detection along with a complementary and unique gray scale, density mapping component for significant shield material detection. This paper will present the developmental status of the prototype system, its detection performance using several INL Calibration Pallets, and planned enhancements to further increase its nuclear material detection capability.
Photofission-Based, Nuclear Material Detection: Technology Demonstration
The Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL), the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and the Advanced Research and Applications Corporation (ARACOR) [Sunnyvale, California] performed a photonuclear technology demonstration for shielded nuclear material detection during August 21–22, 2002, at the LANL TA-18 facility. The demonstration used the Pulsed Photonuclear Assessment Technique (PPAT) that focused on the application of a photofission-based, nuclear material detection method as a viable complement to the ARACOR Eagle inspection platform. The Eagle is a mobile and fully operational truck and cargo inspection system that uses a 6-MeV electron accelerator to perform real-time radiography. This imaging is performed using an approved “radiation-safe” or “cabinet safe” operation relative to the operators, inspectors, and any stowaways within the inspected vehicles. While the PPAT has been primarily developed for active interrogation, its neutron detection system also maintains a complete and effective passive detection capability.
Material Identification Technology (MIT) concept technical feasibility study
The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL) has initiated the design and development of a novel pulsed accelerator-based, active interrogation concept. The proposed concept, referred to as the Material Identification Technology (MIT), enables rapid (between accelerator pulses), non-destructive, elemental composition analysis of both nuclear and non-nuclear materials. Applications of this technique include material monitoring in support of counter-proliferation activities, such as export controls (at domestic and international inspection locations), SNM controls, nuclear weapon dismantlement, and chemical weapon verification. Material Identification Technology combines a pulsed, X-ray source (an electron accelerator) and a gamma detection system. The accelerator must maximize neutron production (pulse width, beam current, beam energy, and repetition rate) and minimize photon dose to the object. Current available accelerator technology can meet these requirements. The detection system must include detectors which provide adequate gamma energy resolution capability, rapid recovery after the initial X-ray interrogation pulse, and multiple single gamma event detection between accelerator pulses. Further research is required to develop the detection system. This report provides the initial feasibility assessment of the MIT concept.