Detection of Special Nuclear Material and Other Contraband by Prompt and/or Delayed Signatures from Photofission

摘要

In accordance with embodiments of the invention, at least the potential presence of Special Nuclear Material (“SNM”) is determined by the detection of prompt neutrons, prompt gamma rays, delayed neutrons, and/or delayed gamma rays from photofission, via time-of-flight (“TOF”) spectroscopic methods. Methods and systems are disclosed.

主权项

1. A method of examining contents of an object, the method comprising:
scanning an object by first and second consecutive radiation pulses; checking for the detection of gamma rays during a first time period starting after the scanning by the first radiation pulse and ending before a start of scanning by the second radiation pulse, the first time period being based, at least in part, on a first expected arrival time of gamma rays at a first detector resulting from interaction of the first radiation pulse with Special Nuclear Material within the object, if any; checking for the detection of neutrons during a second time period starting after the scanning by the first radiation pulse and ending before a start of scanning by the second radiation pulse, the second time period being based, at least in part, on a second expected arrival time of neutrons at a second detector resulting from interaction of the first radiation pulse with Special Nuclear Material within the object, if any; and determining whether the object at least potentially contains Special Nuclear Material based, at least in part, on the check for the detection of the gamma rays and the check for the detection of neutrons.