An equivalent n-source for WGPu derived from a spectrum-shifted PuBe source

Gabriel Ghita; Glenn Sjoden; James Baciak; Scotty Walker; Spring Cornelison

doi:10.1117/12.777475

17 April 2008 An equivalent n-source for WGPu derived from a spectrum-shifted PuBe source

Gabriel Ghita, Glenn Sjoden, James Baciak, Scotty Walker, Spring Cornelison

Proceedings Volume 6945, Optics and Photonics in Global Homeland Security IV; 694504 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.777475
Event: SPIE Defense and Security Symposium, 2008, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

We have designed, built, and laboratory-tested a unique shield design that transforms the complex neutron spectrum from PuBe source neutrons, generated at high energies, to nearly exactly the neutron signature leaking from a significant spherical mass of weapons grade plutonium (WGPu). This equivalent "X-material shield assembly" (Patent Pending) enables the harder PuBe source spectrum (average energy of 4.61 MeV) from a small encapsulated standard 1-Ci PuBe source to be transformed, through interactions in the shield, so that leakage neutrons are shifted in energy and yield to become a close reproduction of the neutron spectrum leaking from a large subcritical mass of WGPu metal (mean energy 2.11 MeV). The utility of this shielded PuBe surrogate for WGPu is clear, since it directly enables detector field testing without the expense and risk of handling large amounts of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) as WGPu. Also, conventional sources using Cf-252, which is difficult to produce, and decays with a 2.7 year half life, could be replaced by this shielded PuBe technology in order to simplify operational use, since a sealed PuBe source relies on Pu-239 (T½=24,110 y), and remains viable for more than hundreds of years.

Citation Download Citation

Gabriel Ghita, Glenn Sjoden, James Baciak, Scotty Walker, and Spring Cornelison "An equivalent n-source for WGPu derived from a spectrum-shifted PuBe source", Proc. SPIE 6945, Optics and Photonics in Global Homeland Security IV, 694504 (17 April 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.777475

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available