Ultra-Compact Electronic Gamma Source

Radiological sources, such as gamma sources Cs-137, Ir-192 and Co-60, are routinely used in research, industry, and clinical applications. However, these radioisotopes have been identified as likely RDD (Radiological Dispersal Device or ¿dirty bomb¿) candidates, based on portability coupled with relatively high levels of radioactivity. In recent years, substantial effort has been spent in the development of accelerator-based neutron generators that can provide high yields of neutrons to replace the radioisotope neutron sources. However, no compact photon sources are available to replace the gamma sources. In an electron linac, most of the produced photons have very low energy. These low energy gammas are not useful and they constitute an unwanted dose on patients and large background noise in experimental measurements. This project will develop a compact mono-energetic gamma generator that can replace some of the commonly used radiological gamma sources. The gamma generator will use commercial off-the-shelf components and, therefore, have very low cost. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardeeUltra-compact electronic generators producing low-energy (~500 keV) mono-energetic gammas would benefit research scientists, and improve homeland security.