Development Plan of Pu NDA System using ZnS Ceramic Scintillator

Year
2012
Author(s)
Michio Seya - Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Masatoshi Kureta - Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Kazuhiko Soyama - Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Akira Ohzu - Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Mitsuo Haruyama - Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Kaoru Sakasai - Japan Atomic Energy Agency
Abstract
Alternative techniques to neutron detection by Helium-3 for nuclear security and safeguards systems are necessary to be developed since Helium-3 shortage is serious. With support of Japanese government (the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science & Technology), we have started an R&D project of Pu NDA system using ZnS ceramic scintillator. Here we present development plan, production of a new type of ZnS ceramic scintillator experimentally and basic design of a PCAS alternative Pu NDA system. We are planning the demonstration tests using the alternative NDA system comparing with the current PCAS in which the Helium-3 counters are installed.