Monte Carlo N-Particle simulations of an underwater chemical threats detection system using neutron activation analysis

TL;DR

This paper uses Monte Carlo N-Particle simulations to evaluate an underwater threat detection system based on neutron activation analysis, demonstrating its ability to identify chemical threats like mustard gas in seawater.

Contribution

The study introduces a simulation-based evaluation of an underwater detection system using neutron activation analysis with specific detector configurations.

Findings

Effective identification of chemical threats via gamma-ray analysis.

Optimal detection method involves comparing peak ratios for Cl and H.

System can distinguish threats in seawater environment.

Abstract

In this paper we present Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) simulations of the system for underwater threat detection using neutron activation analysis developed in the SABAT project. The simulated system is based on a D-T neutron generator emitting 14~MeV neutrons without associated $\alpha$ particle detection and equipped with a LaBr$_3$:Ce scintillation detector offering superior energy resolution and allowing for precise identification of activation $\gamma$ quanta. The performed simulations show that using the neutron activation analysis method with the designed geometry we are able to identify $\gamma$-rays from hydrogen, carbon, sulphur and chlorine originating from mustard gas in a sea water environment. Our results show that the most efficient way of mustard gas detection is to compare the integral peak ratio for Cl and H.