A Modular Neutron Source for the Detection of Shielded Highly Enriched Uranium in Shipping Containers

75252 The development of fusion energy would be quickened if spin-off applications could be identified and commercialized. In this spirit, this project will develop a nuclear assay that uses a high intensity neutron source based on an inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) plasma device developed by the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. The nuclear assay will address one of the most critical security problems presently facing the nation: the possibility of an adversary smuggling Special Nuclear Materials or nuclear weapons into the country in large containers such as cargo containers. This would be the first commercial application of a fusion confinement system to solve a problem of interest to both the public and the private sector. Specifically, a modular, high yield neutron source will be developed for the detection of heavily shielded, highly enriched Uranium (HEU) in cargo containers, using a nuclear assay. Phase I will experimentally verify calculations for IEC scaling and then complete the engineering design of a portable IEC source. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A neutron source that is large enough to do real-time assays for the detection of HEU in large cargo containers should prevent terrorists from smuggling HEU into the country through port facilities. The same technology also should have application to the detection of high explosives, chemical weapons, and drugs