Year
2019
Abstract
This paper presents an optimized design for a new prototype CONFIDANTE system (CONfirmation using a Fast-neutron Imaging Detector with Anti-image Null-positive Time Encoding). CONFIDANTE was developed as a method to verify the declaration of treaty accountable items by confirming the passive radiation images of two items are identical in such a way that the measurement data might be viewed as its being recorded. Proof-of-concept measurements successfully demonstrated this new method using Cf-252 point sources and PuO2 extended sources. The proof-of-concept imaging system design can be improved in several ways, but each improvement has several tradeoffs. For example, a larger central detector improves the efficiency and decreases the total measurement time, but also requires larger mask elements, decreasing the spatial resolution of the system. Each system design parameter should be considered in terms of its effect on spatial resolution, sensitivity, time required to detect modifications of concern, robustness, and size, weight, and power. We will present the design space requirements, evaluation of different mask designs, and the optimized design parameters.SAND2019-1664 A