Determination of Source Coupling for active Neutron Multiplicity Assay

For active neutron multiplicity assay, an external neutron source is required. This aids complexity over passive neutron multiplicity assay in that the coupling of the external source to the material being assayed now becomes an issue. Some previous works has been done in this area by Los Alamos National Laboratory in the form of generating specific calibration curves that relate the source coupling to the multiplication in the sample. This work is extended upon by assuming a functional relationship between mass and multiplication and then testing that relationship against observed behavior. Initial results indicate that an accurate functional relationship between mass and multiplication can be obtained. This relationship holds for both metal and oxide samples. While this is promising for use in active multiplicity assay, additional research is required to validate its use in an experimental setting.