SBIR/STTR Award attributes
The proliferation of nuclear weapons presents unparalleled danger. Critical to preventing the spread of such weapons of mass destruction is the detection and characterization of these materials to determine their origin and movement. Neutron interrogation techniques, including neutron radiography and Associated Particle Imaging (API), are potentially valuable tools in the nonproliferation effort. Improvements in the portability and usability of neutron generators, API generators, in particular,could enable their deploymentas tools for the detection and identification of unknown objects. Adelphi manufactures neutron generators, including those tailored for Associated Particle Imaging. An ultra-portable “lunch-box” sized neutron source with a yield of >109 n/s (DT) has not previously been built. Key developments will include the optimization of miniature solid-statemicrowavetransmittersthat are used to produce a plasma of deuterium and tritium within the generator. This is enabled by recent developments in solid state RF technology that could allow ‘postage stamp’ sized RF transmitter circuits to be built that could produce 5-10 Watts of microwave power. This will be integrated with Adelphi’s highefficiency Electron Cyclotron Resonance ion sources, which produce highly atomic ion species, which leads to good overall power efficiency. Additionally, an air-cooled High Voltage Power Supply tailored to this application of between 109 and 1010 neutrons per second yield will be constructed and integrated into the hand-portable unit. These subsystems will all be integrated and packaged into aunitwithexterior dimensions 18”×3”×5” and weighing less than 20 lbs. Subsystems of the system will be built and tested on test rigs and on existing neutron generators at Adelphi Technology. A small sized, high frequency-driven ion source will packaged with an ultrasmall RF transmitter, and the feasibility of integration in a neutron generator demonstrated and in Phase I withparticularemphasis on building subsystems that are optimized for weight and power. API systems allow 3D compositional analysis of a scene. For security, this could be of use for screening luggage and baggage, or potentially vehicles or cargo containers. Neutron interrogation has the potential to detect and image nuclear materials including uranium andplutonium, even when it is shielded by neutron and gamma absorbing or scattering materials. This has clear applications in mining and prospecting as well as non-destructive testing of structures, such as building foundations, bridges, and tunnels. When operated inAPI mode the 3D volumetric composition may be determined, and when operated as a radiography source, the system can produce high quality images of objects such as carbon fiber and epoxy-based materials that cannot be seen with other techniques such as x-rays or ultrasound.
