SIMULATION OF A NOVEL ACTIVE INTERROGATION SYSTEM USING MCNPX

We describe the application of a Monte Carlo code for the simulation of a superconducting cyclotron-based active interrogation system for detecting special nuclear material. The study focuses on using the 11B(d,n)12C reaction for interrogation of cargo containers and measuring the beta-delayed gamma-ray response between 3-5 MeV. The feasibility of using this accelerator for detecting SNM is evaluated using ANSI 42.41 “American National Standard Minimum Performance Criteria for Active Interrogation Systems Used for Homeland Security” [7]. It was determined that the proposed system far exceeds criteria for non-hydrogenous cargo loadings while exceeding criteria for hydrogenous cargo given some simple modifications.