A cargo inspection system based on pulsed fast neutron analysis (PFNA)

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics and Engineering
• Applied Physics
• Security and Detection Technologies

Background:

• Current border security methods face challenges in detecting concealed threats within cargo.
• Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis (PFNA) offers a non-intrusive method for material identification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and shielding considerations for a cargo inspection system utilizing PFNA.
• To detail the facility layout, including the accelerator and inspection tunnel.
• To outline the radiation source terms relevant for shielding design.

Main Methods:

• Generation of neutrons via deuteron interaction with a deuterium target.
• Utilizing a collimated pulsed fast neutron beam to interrogate cargo.
• Detecting characteristic secondary gamma rays to determine elemental composition and location of objects.

Main Results:

• The system is designed to identify explosives and contraband by analyzing elemental signatures.
• The facility includes a shielded accelerator room and a partially shielded inspection tunnel.
• Shielding design accounts for the specific radiation source terms of the PFNA system.

Conclusions:

• The described PFNA cargo inspection system provides a robust solution for border security.
• The shielding design ensures operational safety for personnel and the environment.
• This technology enables effective detection of hidden threats in diverse cargo.