Non-intrusive method to identify presence of nuclear materials using energetic prompt neutrons from neutron-induced fission
US8867687B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2013 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V5/234
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and systems for non-intrusively detecting the existence of fissile materials in a container via the measurement of energetic prompt neutrons are disclosed. The methods and systems use the unique nature of the prompt neutron energy spectrum from neutron-induced fission arising from the emission of neutrons from almost fully accelerated fragments to unambiguously identify fissile material. These signals from neutron-induced fission are unique and allow the detection of any material in the actinide region of the nuclear periodic table.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.