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Quantitative Detection of Trace Explosive Vapors by Programmed Temperature Desorption Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector
Published on: July 25, 2014
Pulsed fast/thermal neutron analysis: a technique for explosives detection.
1Applied Physics Institute, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA.
Pulsed fast/thermal neutron analysis (PFTNA) uses neutron and gamma-ray interactions to identify elemental compositions in materials. This non-intrusive technique detects contraband and explosives by analyzing characteristic gamma-ray
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Contraband materials like explosives and narcotics possess unique elemental compositions.
- Neutron and gamma-ray technologies offer non-intrusive methods for material interrogation.
- Elemental analysis is key to differentiating illicit substances from innocuous materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce Pulsed Fast/Thermal Neutron Analysis (PFTNA) as a method for elemental detection.
- To highlight the capability of PFTNA in identifying and quantifying elements in various materials.
- To demonstrate the application of PFTNA in security and industrial contexts.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing neutron-gamma ray interactions, specifically (n,n'gamma), (n,pgamma), and (n,gamma) reactions.
- Employing neutrons and gamma-rays for deep material penetration and non-intrusive interrogation.
- Analyzing characteristic gamma-ray emissions as unique isotopic fingerprints.
Main Results:
- PFTNA enables the identification and quantification of a wide range of elements.
- The technique can analyze bulk materials, from small suitcases to large Sea-Land containers.
- Characteristic gamma-ray spectra serve as definitive identifiers for different isotopes.
Conclusions:
- PFTNA is an effective technique for elemental analysis and material identification.
- The non-intrusive nature of PFTNA makes it suitable for security applications, including contraband and explosives detection.
- Applications extend to bulk material analysis, such as in the coal industry.

