OPTIMIZATION OF COMPTON SCATTERING FOR NRF-BASED NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT WITH MEGA-RAYs

Year
2011
Author(s)
F.V. Hartemann - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
F. Albert - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
S.G. Anderson - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
D.J. Gibson - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
R. Marsh - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
C.P.J. Barty - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Abstract
Compton scattering light sources can generate MeV gamma rays with high peak and average spectral brightness. Such novel sources can be used to excite nuclear resonance fluorescence in isotopes of interest, providing a unique means to assaying and imaging nuclear waste. Because the NRF lines are very narrow, monochromatic gamma rays are highly desirable, in order to minimize dose and parasitic noise. Various contributions to Compton scattering linewidth will be described, including: laser bandwidth and focusing, electron beam emittance and energy spread, recoil, and nonlinear effects. Strategies for source optimization will be outlined, within the specific metric of NRF-based nuclear materials management