Real-Time Portable Neutron Spectroscopy

A critical gap in homeland security is the inability to efficiently detect and identify kilogram-size samples of Special Nuclear Materials (SNM, uranium and transuranic elements). Penetrating neutron emission is unique to fissionable material and difficult to obscure with passive shielding. The current state of the art in neutron imaging is not suitable for field applications. Michigan Aerospace Corporation, in collaboration with Professor James Ryan and his group at University of New Hampshire (UNH), proposes to develop a compact, lightweight neutron spectroscopy (NSPECT) instrument based on the completed NSPECT Phase I SBIR. During Phase I, modeling, design and tests demonstrated the feasibility of developing a portable and field-ready fast neutron imaging spectroscope that detects neutrons from < 1 to 10 MeV, weighs less than 30 lbs and can operate on battery power for more than 8 hours. The spectroscope can operate as a stand-alone instrument for passive interrogation or with a neutron source for active interrogation. An instrument prototype will be fabricated, assembled and tested during the Phase II effort, during which all issues inherent to the instrument will be addressed and resolved, paving the way for the completion of a fieldable product during the commercialization phase of the project.