Portable System with Li Foil MWPC Neutron Detectors

At the completion of the research and development effort a Li-foil multi-wire proportional counter (MWPC) neutron detector with more than 625-cm2 of active area will be included in a portable radiation detection system. The system is expected to outperform the standards set by the ANSI N42.53 standards, and gamma-ray rejection ratio (GRR) of 1.0x10-8 or better. A gamma-ray spectrometer for isotope identification will be included and offered as an optional attachment. Powering the gamma-ray and neutron detectors are portable electronics with reachback communication and GPS location capability. Reachback communication and GPS will allow the information obtained by the detectors to be sent back to a central monitoring station, e.g., MFK, to allow a warfighter to be hands-free while maintaining interrogation capabilities. The main focus of the effort is the advancement of the Li-foil MWPC neutron detector. Phase II includes perfection of the initial design and complete implementation of Phase I and II technical advancements into the Li-Foil MWPC and backpack radiation detector (BRD). Battery powered on-board electronics with full reachback capability will be implemented in the final design. A full-scale complete BRD system resulting from Phase II will be tested against ANSI 42.53 and DNDO TCS backpack requirements.