News

9/23/2011 Imaging using fast neutrons from an Adelphi generator and detector

Adelphi has developed a fast neutron camera that can be used with its DD-109 neutron generator. The camera field of view can vary from 10 x 10 to 25 x 25 cm². We have imaged large hydrogen-bearing objects such as a cell phone that are hidden inside a woman purse.  The overall image resolution was 2.5-mm, which was determined by a “knife-edge” measurement and favorably compared to a Monte Carlo simulation.   Images of objects were obtained in 5-50 minutes by placing them close to the camera at distances of 1.5 to 3.2 meter from the neutron source. The Model DD-109 generator produces 10⁹ n/s from the DD fusion reaction at a small target. The combination of the DD-fusion generator and electronic camera permits both small laboratory and field-portable imaging of hydrogen-rich materials or voids embedded in high density materials (e.g. uranium, lead, iron).

A paper was submitted to Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: J. T. Cremer, D. L. Williams, M.J. Fuller, C. K. Gary, M. A. Piestrup, D.R. Faber, J. H. Vainionpaa, R. H. Pantell and J. Feinstein, “Large area imaging of hydrogenous materials using fast neutrons from a DD fusion generator”, Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section  A, submitted Sept 2011.
A preprint is available from the principle author, Dr. J. T. Cremer. ted@adelphitech.com

10/3/2011 Fast pulse cutoff measured

Adelphi can now pulse its fast neutron generators with pulse rates from DC to 20 kHz. Recently we have demonstrated pulse cutoff rates of down to noise level in less than 5 µS. This permits an increased signal to noise after the pulse of any low intensity radiation or particle emission that has been delayed/or and initiated by the fast neutron pulse. This has application for the identification of small amounts of atomic matter and their fractional weights in large composite volumes and, therefore, useful in the mining and minerals processing industries. For further information please contact Dr. Charles K. Gary: cgary@adelphitech.com