Spectrum Tailoring of the Neutron Energy Spectrum in the Context of Delayed Neutron Detection

For the purpose of measuring plutonium mass in spent fuel, a delayed neutron instrument is of particular interest since, if properly designed, the delayed neutron signal from 235U is significantly stronger than the signature from 239Pu or 241Pu. A key factor in properly designing a delayed neutron instrument is to minimize the fission of 238U. This minimization is achieved by keeping the interrogating neutron spectrum below ~1 MeV. In the context of spent fuel measurements it is desirable to use a 14 MeV (deuterium and tritium) neutron generator for economic reasons. Spectrum tailoring is the term used to describe the inclusion of material between the 14 MeV neutrons and the interrogated object that lower the neutron energy through nuclear reactions and moderation. This report quantifies the utility of different material combination for spectrum tailoring.