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At least 1,621 records · Page 90
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2015

Minimum Detectable Activity for Tomographic Gamma Scanning System

For any radiation measurement system, it is useful to explore and establish the detection limits and a minimum detectable activity (MDA) for the radionuclides of interest, even if the system is to be used at far higher values. The MDA serves as an important figure of merit, and often a system is optimized and configured so that it can meet the MDA requirements of a measurement campaign. The non-destructive assay (NDA) systems based on gamma ray analysis are no exception and well established conventions, such the Currie method, exist for estimating the detection limits and the MDA. However, the Tomographic Gamma Scanning (TGS) technique poses some challenges for the estimation of detection limits and MDAs. The TGS combines high resolution gamma ray spectrometry (HRGS) with low spatial resolution image reconstruction techniques. In non-imaging gamma ray based NDA techniques measured counts in a full energy peak can be used to estimate the activity of a radionuclide, independently of other counting trials. However, in the case of the TGS each “view” is a full spectral grab (each a counting trial), and each scan consists of 150 spectral grabs in the transmission and emission scans per vertical layer of the item. The set of views in a complete scan are then used to solve for the radionuclide activities on a voxel by voxel basis, over 16 layers of a 10x10 voxel grid. Thus, the raw count data are not independent trials any more, but rather constitute input to a matrix solution for the emission image values at the various locations inside the item volume used in the reconstruction. So, the validity of the methods used to estimate MDA for an imaging technique such as TGS warrant a close scrutiny, because the pair-counting concept of Currie is not directly applicable. One can also raise questions as to whether the TGS, along with other image reconstruction techniques which heavily intertwine data, is a suitable method if one expects to measure samples whose activities are at or just above MDA levels. The paper examines methods used to estimate MDAs for a TGS system, and explores possible solutions that can be rigorously defended.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗
DOE OSTI2014

Hybrid Enrichment Verification Array: Investigations of the High-Energy Gamma-Ray Signature Origin and Use for Partial Defect Detection

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is exploring the use of an Unattended Cylinder Verification Station (UCVS) to provide independent verification of the declared relative 235U enrichment, 235U mass and total uranium mass of the declared UF6 cylinders moving through modern centrifuge enrichment plants. The Hybrid Enrichment Verification Array (HEVA) method is a candidate nondestructive assay method for inclusion in a UCVS. Modeling and measured data from several field campaigns have demonstrated the potential of the HEVA method to assay relative cylinder enrichment with a precision comparable to or substantially better than today’s high-resolution handheld devices. The HEVA instrument is comprised of an array of sodium iodide gamma-ray detectors that measure two primary spectral components. One of these components is the traditional, direct, weakly-penetrating 235U gamma-ray signature, which contains the 186 keV photopeak. The other spectral component is a non-traditional, high-energy (above ~3 MeV) gamma-ray signature, which is generated indirectly from neutrons emitted from within the UF6 cylinder. These neutrons are more penetrating and create high-energy gamma rays through neutron capture reactions in the steel collimators surrounding the detectors and within the detector crystals. This paper will present results from Monte Carlo simulations and analyses of the HEVA method with a focus on the origins of this high-energy signature, the optimization of instrument design to enhance the signature, and the ability of this non-traditional signature to reveal partial defect scenarios wherein material is missing or substituted in the interior of the cylinder.

Enrichment↗
DOE OSTI2017

Handheld dual thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer

A combined thermal neutron detector and gamma-ray spectrometer system, including: a first detection medium including a lithium chalcopyrite crystal operable for detecting neutrons; a gamma ray shielding material disposed adjacent to the first detection medium; a second detection medium including one of a doped metal halide, an elpasolite, and a high Z semiconductor scintillator crystal operable for detecting gamma rays; a neutron shielding material disposed adjacent to the second detection medium; and a photodetector coupled to the second detection medium also operable for detecting the gamma rays; wherein the first detection medium and the second detection medium do not overlap in an orthogonal plane to a radiation flux. Optionally, the first detection medium includes a .sup.6LiInSe.sub.2 crystal. Optionally, the second detection medium includes a SrI.sub.2(Eu) scintillation crystal.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Ultralow-dose, feedback imaging with laser-Compton X-ray and laser-Compton gamma ray sources

Ultralow-dose, x-ray or gamma-ray imaging is based on fast, electronic control of the output of a laser-Compton x-ray or gamma-ray source (LCXS or LCGS). X-ray or gamma-ray shadowgraphs are constructed one (or a few) pixel(s) at a time by monitoring the LCXS or LCGS beam energy required at each pixel of the object to achieve a threshold level of detectability at the detector. An example provides that once the threshold for detection is reached, an electronic or optical signal is sent to the LCXS/LCGS that enables a fast optical switch that diverts, either in space or time the laser pulses used to create Compton photons. In this way, one prevents the object from being exposed to any further Compton x-rays or gamma-rays until either the laser-Compton beam or the object are moved so that a new pixel location may be illumination.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2021

Simulation of Isotopic Concentrations and Gamma Spectra from Dynamic Fission Sources

A tool was developed to rapidly generate synthetic gamma-ray spectra to evaluate safeguards material control and accounting methods for liquid-fueled molten salt reactors. Molten salt reactor operations pose unique challenges to nuclear safeguards methods and protocols compared to deployed reactors designs (e.g., light water reactors). This research evaluates the use of gamma-ray spectroscopy to monitor fission product isotopic flow through a reactor model to understand expected operations and investigate changes to the spectra with material diversion scenarios. The large design space of molten salt reactors (e.g., liquid-fueled, liquid-cooled, online separations) could potentially lead to many measurement points within the reactor system. The developed analytical tool generates and evaluates synthetic gamma-ray spectra from dynamic reactor simulations by extracting isotopic inventory to generate source terms. An implementation in the Gamma Detector Response and Analysis Software (GADRAS) Application Program Interface (API) uses the source terms, a model of the reactor component, a detector response function, and measurement plan to quickly generate and analyze spectra. Prospective measurements are then evaluated in the more accurate but slower Geant4 simulations. Utilization of the developed modeling tool and analysis of the subsequent spectra enables optimization of collimation, shielding requirements, and expected count rates that are used to determine key measurement points in the modeled reactor design.

O'Brien, Sean↗
DOE OSTI2014

Testing the Delayed Gamma Capability in MCNP6 - Paper 86

The mission of the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) is to quickly and reliably detect unauthorized attempts to import or transport special nuclear material (SNM) for use against the United States. Developing detection equipment to meet this objective requires accurate simulation of both the detectable signature and detection mechanism. MCNP6 is capable of transporting the various types of radiation encountered in these scenarios; however, the accuracy of MCNP6 must be quantified such that we can be confident in the results of the simulations. Delayed gamma transport is one important component of these detection scenarios. Delayed gamma transport is defined as the combination of gamma emission from radioactive and subsequent transport through matter. MCNP always possessed the ability to emit delayed neutrons from fission; however, these delayed neutron spectra and intensity were functional fits and not directly sampled from the created fission products. Furthermore, there existed no method to emit the decay photons from radioactive fission products (or any radioactive nucleus) A delayed particle capability was initially added to MCNPX 2.6.A in 2005 to sample the radioactive fission product parents and emit decay particles resulting from the decay chain. At the point of capture, a residual nucleus is created and decayed using the CINDER90 depletion code. MCNP only sends CINDER90 a residual radioactive nucleus and not a flux (i.e. capture rate). As a result, the Bateman equations for the solution are coupled first order differential equations with constant coefficients. Theoretically, these equations could be solved analytically; however, CINDER90 employs a numerical Markov linear chain scheme to solve these equations. This paper addresses a more simplified approach to benchmarking in order to best assess: (1) whether or not deficiencies exist in the current methodology for certain types of decay chains; and (2) paths forward for improving the delayed particle emission capability. We utilize closed form analytic solutions to the granddaughter equations for particular sets of isotope systems to compare the accuracy of the delayed gamma capability in MCNP6. (authors)

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗
DOE OSTI2023

pyEGAF: An open-source Python library for the Evaluated Gamma-ray Activation File

The Evaluated Gamma-ray Activation File (EGAF) is one of the most comprehensive resources for thermal neutron-capture data. This database contains data from prompt gamma activation analysis measurements carried out in a consistent manner using the same experimental configuration at the Budapest Research Reactor for 245 isotopes. Although these valuable datasets have been freely available for many years, one of the drawbacks is the outdated and cryptic Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File (ENSDF) format that is currently adopted for dissemination, making it difficult for users unfamiliar with the format to access and utilize the data contained therein. Furthermore, the ENSDF format does not readily lend itself to modern computational technologies and a parser is required to interpret the complicated mixed-record format. To help overcome these challenges, we have developed a translator to convert the ENSDF-formatted datasets into an open standard JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format enabling accessibility to applications using different programming languages running in different environments. To compliment this effort, we have also developed an open-source software package implemented in Python, pyEGAF, that is designed to interact with the JSON data structures for general purpose access, manipulation, and analysis of the neutron-capture $\gamma$-ray data in EGAF. The new format, together with the pyEGAF library, greatly enhances access to the wider applications community where EGAF data may be useful or is required.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2012

Development of Compton gamma-ray sources at LLNL

Compact Compton scattering gamma-ray sources offer the potential of studying nuclear photonics with new tools. The optimization of such sources depends on the final application, but generally requires maximizing the spectral density (photons/eV) of the gamma-ray beam while simultaneously reducing the overall bandwidth on target to minimize noise. We have developed an advanced design for one such system, comprising the RF drive, photoinjector, accelerator, and electron-generating and electron-scattering laser systems. This system uses a 120 Hz, 250 pC, 2 ps, 0.35 mm mrad electron beam with 250 MeV maximum energy in an X-band accelerator scattering off a 150 mJ, 10 ps, 532 nm laser to generate 5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 10} photons/eV/s/Sr at 0.5 MeV with an overall bandwidth of less than 1%. The source will be able to produce photons up to energies of 2.5 MeV. We also discuss Compton scattering gamma-ray source predictions given by numerical codes.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2013

(n,{gamma}) Experiments on tin isotopes

Neutron capture experiments on highly enriched {sup 117,119}Sn isotopes were performed with the DANCE detector array located at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. The DANCE detector provides detailed information about the multi-step {gamma}-ray cascade following neutron capture. Analysis of the experimental data provides important information to improve understanding of the neutron capture reaction, including a test of the statistical model, the assignment of spins and parities of neutron resonances, and information concerning the Photon Strength Function (PSF) and Level Density (LD) below the neutron separation energy. Preliminary results for the (n,{gamma}) reaction on {sup 117,119}Sn are presented. Resonance spins of the odd-A tin isotopes were almost completely unknown. Resonance spins and parities have been assigned via analysis of the multi-step {gamma}-ray spectra and directional correlations.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2014

Gamma-ray generation in ultrahigh-intensity laser-foil interactions

Incoherent photon emission by ultrarelativistic electrons in the normal incidence of a laser pulse on a foil is investigated by means of three-dimensional numerical simulations in the range of intensities 2 × 10{sup 21}–2 × 10{sup 25} W cm{sup −2} and electron densities 2 × 10{sup 22}–1 × 10{sup 24} cm{sup −3}. We focus on properties of the resulting synchrotron radiation, such as its overall energy, directivity of the radiation pattern, and slope of the energy spectrum. Regimes of laser-foil interactions are studied in the framework of a simple analytical model. The laser-plasma parameters for efficient gamma-ray generation are found and revealed to be close to the parameters for relativistic foil motion. It is shown that in the case of oblique incidence of a 3 PW, 10 fs laser pulse on a thin foil about 10{sup 8} photons/0.1% bandwidth are produced at the energy level of 1 MeV that significantly exceeds performance of the modern Compton gamma-ray sources. Various applications of the gamma-ray bunches are discussed.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Directional gamma sensing from covariance processing of inter-detector Compton crosstalk energy asymmetries

Energy asymmetry of inter-detector crosstalk from Compton scattering can be exploited to infer the direction to a gamma source. A covariance approach extracts the correlated crosstalk from data streams to estimate matched signals from Compton gammas split over two detectors. On a covariance map the signal appears as an asymmetric cross diagonal band with axes intercepts at the full photo-peak energy of the original gamma. The asymmetry of the crosstalk band can be processed to determine the direction to the radiation source. The technique does not require detector shadowing, masking, or coded apertures, thus sensitivity is not sacrificed to obtain the directional information. An angular precision of better than 1° of arc is possible, and processing of data streams can be done in real time with very modest computing hardware.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

Experimental investigation of silicon photomultipliers as compact light readout systems for gamma-ray spectroscopy applications in fusion plasmas

A matrix of Silicon Photo Multipliers has been developed for light readout from a large area 1 in. × 1 in. LaBr{sub 3} crystal. The system has been characterized in the laboratory and its performance compared to that of a conventional photo multiplier tube. A pulse duration of 100 ns was achieved, which opens up to spectroscopy applications at high counting rates. The energy resolution measured using radioactive sources extrapolates to 3%–4% in the energy range E{sub γ} = 3–5 MeV, enabling gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements at good energy resolution. The results reported here are of relevance in view of the development of compact gamma-ray detectors with spectroscopy capabilities, such as an enhanced gamma-ray camera for high power fusion plasmas, where the use of photomultiplier is impeded by space limitation and sensitivity to magnetic fields.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
DOE OSTI2014

High resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy at GANIL

Gamma-ray spectroscopy is intensively used at GANIL to measure low lying states in exotic nuclei on the neutron-rich as well as on the neutron-deficient side of the nuclear chart. On the neutron deficient border, gamma-rays have been observed for the first time in {sup 92}Pd. The level scheme which could be established points to the role of isoscalar pairing. On the neutron rich side, the lifetime of excited states in nuclei around {sup 68}Ni have been been measured using the plunger technique. This allows us to study the evolution of collectivity in a broad range of nuclei. In 2014 GANIL will host the AGATA array for a campaign of at least 2 years. This array is based on the gamma-ray tracking technique, which allows an impressive gain in resolving power.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2015

Coherent to incoherent cross section ratio for 59.54 keV gamma rays at scattering angle of 110°

The coherent (Rayleigh) to incoherent (Compton) scattering cross-section ratio of elements, in the range 13 ≤ Z ≤ 82, are determined experimentally for 59.54 keV incident gamma photons. An HPGe (High purity germanium) semiconductor detector is employed, at scattering angle of 110°, to record the spectra originating from interactions of incident gamma photons with the target under investigation. The intensity ratio of Rayleigh to Compton scattered peaks observed in the recorded spectra, and corrected for photo-peak efficiency of gamma detector and absorption of photons in the target and air, along with the other required parameters provides the differential cross-section ratio. The measured values of cross-section ratio are found to agree with theoretical predictions based upon non-relativistic form factor, relativistic form factor, modified form factor and S-matrix theory.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Radioisotope identification method for poorly resolved gamma-ray spectrum of nuclear security concern

Gamma-ray signal can be used as a fingerprint for radioisotope identification. In the context of radioactive and nuclear materials security at the border control point, the detection task can present a significant challenge due to various constraints such as the limited measurement time, the shielding conditions, and the noise interference. This study proposes a novel method to identify the signal of one or several radioisotopes from a poorly resolved gamma-ray spectrum. In this method, the noise component in the raw spectrum is reduced by the wavelet decomposition approach, and the removal of the continuum background is performed using the baseline determination algorithm. Finally, the identification of radioisotope is completed using the matrix linear regression method. The proposed method has been verified by experiments using the poorly resolved gamma-ray signals from various scenarios including single source, mixing of natural uranium with five of the most common industrial radioactive sources (57Co, 60Co, 133Ba, 137Cs, and 241Am). The preliminary results show that the proposed algorithm is comparable with the commercial method.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2016

Confronting various dark matter scenarios with dwarf spheroidal gamma-ray observations

Dwarf spheroidal galaxies are promising targets for the indirect detection of dark matter through gamma-ray emission due to their proximity, lack of astrophysical backgrounds and high dark matter density. They are often used to place restrictive bounds on the dark matter annihilation cross section. In this report, we analyze six years of Fermi-LAT gamma-ray data from Dwarf Spheroidal galaxies that are satellites of the Milky Way, and constrain the parameter space that explain the Fermi-LAT Galactic center gamma-ray emission in 4 body final states, neutralino dark matter annihilation cross-section, and decaying dark matter lifetime for several decay channels.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
DOE OSTI2017

Improvement of hot-electron and gamma-ray yields by selecting preplasma thickness for a target irradiated by a short laser pulse

The dependences of the temperature and the number of hot electrons on the size of the plasma corona of a thin foil target irradiated by a short relativistically intense laser pulse are investigated by three-dimensional numerical simulations. For a 30-fs long laser pulse with an energy of 300 mJ we have determined the optimal preplasma size which maximises the yield of forward-accelerated electrons capable of generating gamma-ray photons several MeV in energy. A study is made of gamma-ray generation by such laser-accelerated electrons in the bombardment of a converter target placed behind the laser target; the brightness of this gamma-ray source is shown to range up to 10{sup 15} photons s{sup −1} mrad{sup −2} mm{sup −2} × (0.1 % BW){sup −1}. (paper)

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
DOE OSTI2012

LONG-DURATION X-RAY FLASH AND X-RAY-RICH GAMMA-RAY BURSTS FROM LOW-MASS POPULATION III STARS

Recent numerical simulations suggest that Population III (Pop III) stars were born with masses not larger than {approx}100 M {sub Sun} and typically {approx}40 M {sub Sun }. By self-consistently considering the jet generation and propagation in the envelope of these low-mass Pop III stars, we find that a Pop III blue supergiant star has the possibility of giving rise to a gamma-ray burst (GRB) even though it keeps a massive hydrogen envelope. We evaluate observational characteristics of Pop III GRBs and predict that Pop III GRBs have a duration of {approx}10{sup 5} s in the observer frame and a peak luminosity of {approx}5 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 50} erg s{sup -1}. Assuming that the E {sub p}-L {sub p} (or E {sub p}-E {sub {gamma},iso}) correlation holds for Pop III GRBs, we find that the spectrum peak energy falls at approximately a few keV (or {approx}100 keV) in the observer frame. We discuss the detectability of Pop III GRBs by future satellite missions such as EXIST and Lobster. If the E {sub p}-E {sub {gamma},iso} correlation holds, we have the possibility to detect Pop III GRBs at z {approx} 9 as long-duration X-ray-rich GRBs by EXIST. Conversely, if the E {sub p}-L {sub p} correlation holds, we have the possibility to detect Pop III GRBs up to z {approx} 19 as long-duration X-ray flashes by Lobster.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗