Neutron Detection Systems and Instruments
ORTEC’s line of neutron detection instruments are simple to use and designed for nuclear search and emergency response. Whether you need to search for elevated sources of neutron activity or to resolve whether a neutron alarm is the result of cosmic background, neutrons emitted from an industrial source, or from special nuclear material, with ORTEC’s top of the line detection systems, you can be certain of a correct answer every time.
The detection of illicit radioactive material is highly important in homeland security applications worldwide. There is great concern about Radioactive Dispersal Devices (RDDs), but the destructive power of these terrorist weapons is small compared to that of a nuclear explosion produced by an Improvised Nuclear Device (IND) or state-built nuclear weapon. Even a crude nuclear device could have an explosive power equivalent to 250 Kilotons of TNT. A nuclear explosion requires the presence of so-called Special Nuclear Material (SNM), which is, Uranium or Plutonium. The major technical challenge is to detect and identify SNM rapidly and with certainty. The most common approach to the detection of RDD or IND devices is through their gamma-ray signatures. However, heavy metal shielding may ultimately defeat such methods.
The Sodium Iodide Search System (NAI-SS) combines highly sensitive gamma and neutron search with GPS mapping and track, gamma nuclide identification, and background correction to limit false alarms. The expandable system can employ up to four NaI gamma and He-3 neutron detectors, and can be configured to meet any need.
The Fission Meter is unique among neutron all detection systems in that it can reject interference from normal cosmic background neutrons. This capability increases its sensitivity to neutrons produced by fission events in Special Nuclear Material, such as plutonium and uranium. The Fission Meter allows a user to unambiguously tell the difference between neutron alarms caused by industrial sources and those from suspect illicit nuclear material.
Sodium Iodide Search System (NAI-SS)
The ORTEC NaI-SS is a Gamma-Neutron search system that offers high sensitivity to gamma and neutron radiation, and is conveniently packaged in one or more rugged plastic "pelican type" containers. For automotive use, the system may be placed inside the luggage space or installed in a conventional roof top carrier.
The system provides visual and audible indicators of neutron and gamma count-rates displayed on a GPS-based surface map in real time as the vehicle moves. Data is gathered continuously and assembled in 1 second "slices," which can be displayed in a variety of formats, or passed to an advanced analysis "engine" (included) for further processing, either for a single slice or group of slices covering an interval when the visual display was indicating an in range source. Historic data may be recalled for re-analysis.
- Detectors in two wheeled Pelican case pods (32”H x 22”W x 12”D)
- One or more Neutron pods; up to four Gamma pods
- Combined Neutron and Gamma search or Gamma-only search
- Mapping views, easy-to- understand settings for gamma and background alarm presets
- Simple data review, analysis, and ID
Download the NaI-SS Radiation Search System brochure.
Fission Meter
“Proof Positive” identification of fission neutron sources,
through multiplicity analysis. - Ultra-low level false positive and negative rates, even in the
presence of high neutron background.
- Immune to cosmic background fluctuations.
- Highest sensitivity in a portable package.
- Easy to operate
The ORTEC Fission Meter aids the interdiction of illicit trafficking by augmentation of gamma-ray identification with a neutron detector of very high sensitivity which, in addition, can specifically identify fission neutron sources by the inherent characteristics of the decay process.
Circumstances arise where reliance on a gamma-ray detector alone comes into question; the package may be large enough to contain significant shielding, or the gamma-ray background may be seen to drop when measuring a particular package-indicating heavy shielding. The hand-held identifier’s neutron detector may show an elevated neutron count rate, or the gamma-ray spectrum may “see” evidence of gamma-rays from neutron reactions.
The Fission Meter is an easy-to-use, portable neutron detection system designed to locate illicitly trafficked special nuclear materials (SNM), particularly shielded sources. It combines software developed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with two panels of moderated He-3 neutron detectors, enabling you to collect and communicate crucial data about suspicious neutron sources to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Emergency Operations Center.
Download the Fission Meter Portable Neutron Source Identification System brochure.