A compact neutron scatter camera for field deployment

TL;DR

This paper introduces a compact, battery-powered neutron scatter camera capable of omnidirectional imaging for field deployment, capable of localizing neutron and gamma sources and distinguishing different radionuclides.

Contribution

It presents a novel, portable neutron scatter camera with omnidirectional imaging and radionuclide discrimination capabilities, suitable for field use.

Findings

Achieves near 4π imaging sensitivity in a compact form

Successfully localizes neutron and gamma sources in field conditions

Distinguishes plutonium types and other radionuclides based on spectra

Abstract

We describe a very compact (0.9 m high, 0.4 m diameter, 40 kg) battery operable neutron scatter camera designed for field deployment. Unlike most other systems, the configuration of the sixteen liquid-scintillator detection cells are arranged to provide omnidirectional (4{\pi}) imaging with sensitivity comparable to a conventional two-plane system. Although designed primarily to operate as a neutron scatter camera for localizing energetic neutron sources, it also functions as a Compton camera for localizing gamma sources. In addition to describing the radionuclide source localization capabilities of this system, we demonstrate how it provides neutron spectra that can distinguish plutonium metal from plutonium oxide sources, in addition to the easier task of distinguishing AmBe from fission sources.