Accountability Instrument Using a New Neutron-Gamma Sensor

DOEs mission of nuclear material control and accountability (NMC & amp;A) requires adequate tools, therefore, the development of new sensor materials and measurement techniques for NMC & amp;A is important for the future of the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle. These techniques will reduce proliferation risks and enhance confidence in nuclear energy. To achieve material control using accountability instruments, an order of magnitude improvement in the ability to inventory fissile materials in domestic fuel cycle systems is required. The goal of the proposed effort is to develop a detector based on a new scintillating material capable of detecting gamma and neutron radiations simultaneously. Through excellent gamma ray resolution and neutron detection, the system should enhance reliability of nuclear material control and accountability mission. The Phase I project will be aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of manufacturing the new scintillating material and using it to construct detectors for nuclear material control and accountability applications. A system capable of detection gamma and neutron radiations with high gamma ray resolution and neutron detection will easily find its application in general homeland security applications. Moreover, fields such as nuclear physics, medical and material sciences will benefit from this system. The proposed research will develop a new radiation detection system in order to enhance the nuclear material control and accountability mission. The detector will also find its applications in physics, medical and material studies.