Compact and transportable system for detecting lead-shielded highly enriched uranium using ²⁵²Cf rotation method with...

Area of Science:

• Nuclear security and nonproliferation.
• Applied physics and instrumentation.

Background:

• Highly enriched uranium (HEU) poses a significant nuclear security risk due to its potential for misuse.
• Conventional passive nondestructive assay (NDA) methods struggle to detect HEU shielded by heavy metals like lead.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate an on-site detection method for lead-shielded HEU.
• To enhance nuclear security and prevent illicit material proliferation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a transportable nondestructive assay (NDA) system.
• Employed the Californium-252 (²⁵²Cf) rotation method with a water Cherenkov neutron detector.
• Measured 4.17 g of Uranium-235 (²³⁵U) using a 3.7 MBq ²⁵²Cf source.

Main Results:

• Successfully detected lead-shielded HEU on-site.
• Achieved detection within a 12-minute measurement period.
• Demonstrated a cost-effective NDA solution.

Conclusions:

• The developed transportable NDA system offers a viable solution for detecting shielded HEU.
• Integration into border control can significantly improve HEU proliferation prevention.
• Provides a robust deterrence against nuclear terrorism.