Detection of landmines by using 14 MeV neutron tagged beams

Appl Radiat Isot. 2004 Jul;61(1):43-9. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.02.015.

Abstract

A large-area scanning system using 14 MeV tagged neutrons has been built. The associated (4)He particles emitted in the D+T reaction are detected in an array of Parallel Plate Avalanche Counters that defines a scanning plane having about 10 x 100 cm(2) area. Coincident gamma-rays are detected by 10 BaF(2) scintillators. The capability of the system to determine the presence and the position of samples and to perform an on-line background subtraction is demonstrated. Test with landmines are also reported. This technique allows a significant improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio searching for hidden threat materials. The use with portable sealed-tube generators is foreseen.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Blast Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Explosions / prevention & control*
  • Fast Neutrons*
  • Gamma Rays
  • Helium / chemistry
  • Soil
  • Warfare

Substances

  • Soil
  • Helium