Fast-thermal neutrons power new inspection system

17 Jun 2002

A nonintrusive inspection technique that probes samples with neutrons can analyze the content of coal and cement and detect explosives and drugs. It also shows promise for locating plastic and wooden land mines.

Developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Western Kentucky University (WKU) researchers, the pulsed fast-thermal neutron analysis system bombards a sample with pulses of fast and slow, or thermal, neutrons. Fast neutrons collide with some atoms, triggering the release of gamma rays. Between pulses, thermal neutrons are captured by other atoms, causing emission of gamma rays. Detectors measure energies of the combined gamma rays, which are unique for each element.

Negotiations are under way to install a prototype pulsed-neutron generator system at an operating coal-fired power plant.