Delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy combined with active neutron interrogation for nuclear security and safeguards

¹ Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Security and Nuclear Nonproliferation, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Shirakata Shirane 2-4, Tokai, Naka, Ibaraki, Japan
² Nuclear Safety and Security, Joint Research Centre in, via Enrico Fermi 2749, 21027 Ispra (VA), Italy
³ Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, Shirakata Shirane 2-4, Tokai, Naka, Ibaraki, Japan
⁴ Nuclear Safety and Security, Joint Research Centre, Retieseweg 111, 2440 Geel, Belgium

^a e-mail: koizumi.mitsuo@jaea.go.jp

Published online: 13 September 2017

Abstract

For the purpose of nuclear security and safeguards, an active neutron interrogation non-destructive assay technique, Delayed Gamma-ray Spectroscopy (DGS), is under development. The technique of DGS uses the detection of decay γ rays from fission products to determine ratios of fissile nuclides in a sample. A proper evaluation of such γ-ray spectra requires integration of nuclear data such as fission cross-sections, fission yields, half-lives, decay-chain patterns, and decay γ-ray yields. Preliminary DGS experiments with the Pulsed Neutron Interrogation Test Assembly, named PUNITA, of the European Commissions’ Joint Research Center have been performed. Signals of delayed γ ray from nuclear materials were successfully observed.