Gamma And Neutron Spectroscopy Test Results With A Backpack Radiation Device With Special Nuclear Material Identification

The constant concerns in global nuclear safety, aimed at deterring and combating the illicit trafficking of radioactive materials and their possible use in criminal acts has raised the necessity of new detection solutions with a fast response and a higher level of accuracy in the information reported. Radioactive isotope identifiers are today commercially available, and they are able to perform gamma spectroscopy identification and, sometimes, neutron counting. This paper presents the results of test measurements performed in real-scenario conditions with a new type of portable radioactive isotope identifier for the detection and identification of both gamma and neutron sources, even multiple ones. Its singular features are: 1) the capability to identify sources through the detection of neutrons, discriminating spontaneous fission sources (like 252Cf), α-n type sources (like AmBe and AmLi), and nuclear material containing plutonium or uranium 2) the capability to make cross correlation between gamma and neutron measurements to achieve a higher level of accuracy in the identification of SNM that emits both neutrons and characteristics gammas. The test results are compared with ISO and ANSI standards. The device exceeds the standard performance by completing the identification of SNM at distances up to twenty-five times greater the standard ones.