High Explosive Detection at Large Stand-off Distances of 50 m and Greater Using Impulse Neutron Scheme

The ReSINE(TM) concept, for Remote Stand-off Impulse Neutron Examination, proposed by ER2S, Inc., is a unique application of three fairly mature technologies providing a compact mobile system for detecting 10 kg of hidden explosives at distances up to 100 m. First, it is based on the Short Pulse, High Intensity Neutron eXamination (SPHINX®) technology, which is a demonstrated new methodology for bulk explosive detection using a single high intensity neutron pulse and large area gamma detector. Second, it uses a low cost blast-resistant remote neutron source moving downstream to interrogate target areas. Third, it provides for a large area gamma detector sensor, out of harm’s way on a mobile platform such as a HMMWV or covert panel truck, based on characteristic signature recognition analysis method, eliminating the problem of gamma pulse pile-up when attempting pulse counting under high activation rates. This IED detection application will be evaluated against a developed Laden Vehicle Taxonomy, the specifications defined using Monte Carlo code analysis for range and cluttered environments, and validated by experiments on existing SPHINX® Facility. Following the Phase I concept feasibility demonstration, a ReSINE(TM) prototype will be built and field-tested for the detection of 10 kg of explosives over 30 meters.