1
*STTR
Project: A High Intensity Neutron Source for the Detection of Unexploded Ordnance
Dr.
Charles Mansfield, Principal Investigator, coyote2@swcp.com
Ms.
Rosemary Alme, Business Official, mncjalme@aol.com
DOE
Grant No. DE-FG02-04ER86209
Amount:
$99,995
Research Institution
Los Alamos
National Laboratory
Los Alamos, NM
In
response to the DOE’s desire to identify spin-off technology from its Magnetic
Fusion Energy program, this project addresses the identification of unexploded
ordnance, using a nuclear assay with neutrons produced by fusion reactions.
In particular, a portable neutron source will be developed that is
capable of detecting high explosives, particularly unexploded ordnance (UXO) and
landmines buried underground, using the nuclear assay.
The high intensity neutron source will be based on an inertial
electrostatic confinement (IEC) plasma device developed under the sponsorship of
the DOE Office of Fusion Energy Sciences. Phase
I will experimentally verify calculation for scaling the IEC source and complete
an engineering design for a portable IEC source.
Commercial
Applications and Other Benefits
as described by the awardee: The
neutron source should be large enough for use in a real-time assay for the
detection of high explosives. The
removal of unexploded ordnance is a key task in the decommissioning of military
bases and their conversion to civilian uses.
Other applications include the identification of landmines in former
combat areas, the identification of special nuclear materials, and the field
detection of chemical weapons.