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Classifying threats with a 14-MeV neutron interrogation system.

Dan Strellis·Tsahi Gozani
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Abstract

SeaPODDS (Sea Portable Drug Detection System) is a non-intrusive tool for detecting concealed threats in hidden compartments of maritime vessels. This system consists of an electronic neutron generator, a gamma-ray detector, a data acquisition computer, and a laptop computer user-interface. Although initially developed to detect narcotics, recent algorithm developments have shown that the system is capable of correctly classifying a threat into one of four distinct categories: narcotic, explosive, chemical weapon, or radiological dispersion device (RDD). Detection of narcotics, explosives, and chemical weapons is based on gamma-ray signatures unique to the chemical elements. Elements are identified by their characteristic prompt gamma-rays induced by fast and thermal neutrons. Detection of RDD is accomplished by detecting gamma-rays emitted by common radioisotopes and nuclear reactor fission products. The algorithm phenomenology for classifying threats into the proper categories is presented here.

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AlgorithmsChemical Warfare AgentsDrug and Narcotic ControlExplosionsNeutron Activation AnalysisOnline SystemsUser-Computer InterfaceJournal Article

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Dan Strellis, Tsahi Gozani. 2005-06-27. Classifying threats with a 14-MeV neutron interrogation system.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2005.05.037

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