Work

Feasibility of an Active Interrogation System to Classify Waste with He-4 Neutron Spectroscopy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This work investigates a 4He-detector active interrogation system that leverages neutron spectroscopy to classify nuclear waste streams. MCNP models tested the concept through the simulation of a D-D neutron generator, an array of 4He detectors, and various waste compositions. The fast-neutron Differential Die-Away signature was augmented with a neutron-energy discrimination signature. This signature isolates induced fission neutrons, the energy of which is greater than that of the D-D monoenergetic spectrum. With the incorporation of this spectroscopic technique, the measurement time decreased by 3–9% (depending on the degree of neutron moderation and absorption presented by the sample), demonstrating how neutron spectroscopy can enhance active interrogation methods. The reduced measurement times would have significant financial and logistical benefits for facilities with large footprints of low-level waste production.

Source: Journal of Nuclear Engineering

DOI: 10.3390/jne6030033

Authors: Andrew Politz, Paolo Tancioni, Oskar Searfus, Eric Aboud, Kelly Jordan, Daniel Siefman

Institutions: University of California, Berkeley, Sandia National Laboratories California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Nuclear Physics and Applications

Subfield: Radiation

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,207

Funders: National Nuclear Security Administration, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory