Year
2018
Abstract
Active and passive neutron interrogation is a powerful tool for a host of non-proliferation applications. The key components of a neutron interrogation system are a neutron source and a detection system. The neutron source can be internal, including spontaneous fission and/or (α,n) reactions from mixed actinide-light element composites, or external from DD and/or DT neutron sources. The detector system can potentially include spatial imaging and/or energy resolving capabilities.High-fidelity detailed nuclear data is needed for the design and interpretation of all neutron interrogation data. This includes accurate, quantitative knowledge of (n,elastic), (n,γ) and (n,n’γ) on fissile and fissionable actinides, light-elements comprising contraband and/or high-explosives, common structural materials and the constituents of the detection system being used. This data is also needed to help improve neutron transport for an even wider variety of nuclear science and engineering applications.In recognition of this need, topical sessions on neutron capture and inelastic scattering data were held at the recent Nuclear Data Roadmapping Enhancement Workshop (NDREW)1 organized by NA-22 to determine a path forward for improving (n,γ) and (n,n’γ) spectral data. In this talk I will present an overview of the roadmap developed at NDREW, and present some of the existing (n,xg) spectral nuclear data sources, including the Evaluated Gamma Activation File (EGAF)2 and the Atlas of Inelastic Scattering Data for Reactor Fast Neutrons (aka the “Baghdad Atlas)3. I will also discuss plans to add to these data sets by targeted measurements using the High Flux Neutron Generator (HFNG) at UC-Berkeley4 and the Thick Target Deuteron Break-up Neutron Source at the LBNL 88-Inch cyclotron5.