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14 May 2018 Laboratory demonstration of IED detection using a high-flux neutron source (Conference Presentation)
Robert O'Connell, Gabriel Becerra
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Proceedings Volume 10628, Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXIII; 1062807 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2305144
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2018, Orlando, FL, United States
Abstract
Phoenix has demonstrated direct detection of buried explosive material by interrogation with an intense neutron source in a laboratory environment. The technique analyzes neutron-induced emission of characteristic gamma rays by each element, so it senses the explosive material itself. The high yield of the Phoenix neutron generator (up to 3x10^11 neutrons/second) represents a leap in detection times and standoff distances for neutron-based IED detection technology. Detection experiments ranged from standoff distances of up to 7 meters, which was the limit of the laboratory space. Simulants for nitrogen-based explosives were buried in sand of different moisture levels at depths of up to 28 cm (distance to top of explosive). The fast, high-resolution gamma-ray detector array is placed 50 cm above the suspect location. The method follows a concept of operations which assumes a selection of high-risk locations have been identified using ground-penetrating radar or satellite. The location is then scanned to determine the presence of explosives. The gamma radiation emitted due to the activation is analyzed to determine a presence of 10.8 MeV nitrogen gammas higher than background. The technique can also be used as a primary detection method. The measurements validate Monte Carlo modeling of neutron-based activation techniques. Example detection times: 1.4 seconds for 30-liter jug of TNT buried 8 cm in wet soil at a standoff of 5 m, or 37 seconds for 10-liter of TNT buried 30 cm in dry sand at a standoff of 10 m.
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Robert O'Connell and Gabriel Becerra "Laboratory demonstration of IED detection using a high-flux neutron source (Conference Presentation)", Proc. SPIE 10628, Detection and Sensing of Mines, Explosive Objects, and Obscured Targets XXIII, 1062807 (14 May 2018); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2305144
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KEYWORDS
Explosives
Improvised explosive device detection
Gamma radiation
Standoff detection
Detector arrays
Explosives detection
Ground penetrating radar
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