Induced Fission Density – FY14-Annual Report

Abstract

This project investigates a method to determine the spatial distribution of fissile material within an unknown object by interrogating it with 14 MeV neutrons to obtain a tomographic image (neutron CT scan), combined with an image of the induced fission (fissile) locations. The ultimate goal of such methods is to determine the fissile mass of complicated configurations of shielded highly enriched uranium and plutonium. This technique is especially useful for the inspection of HEU because its naturally emitted characteristic gamma rays are easily shielded. This technology is applicable to arms control and nonproliferation, dismantlement, nuclear material control and accountability, and homeland security. This method will be incorporated into the Fieldable Nuclear Materials Inspection System (FNMIS), initially sponsored by NA-243 and subsequently by NA-22.