Chapter 10 - Nuclear techniques to detect explosives

Abstract

The Nuclear Techniques to Detect Explosives chapter is focused on techniques that make use of nuclear reactions to detect explosives hidden in, for example, luggage or cargo. Nuclear techniques for explosives detection have been investigated in which neutrons or, in some cases, high-energy (MeV) x-rays, are used for interrogation. Examples include thermal neutron analysis, pulsed fast neutron transmission spectroscopy, associated particle imaging, and nuclear resonance fluorescence. We review the physical phenomena underlying these techniques along with the radiation sources and detectors used for explosives detection applications. This is followed by a review of previous and current research in explosives detection by nuclear techniques. Performance considerations include probability of detection, probability of a false alarm, throughput, weight, footprint, and cost. We conclude with a summary of challenges and directions for future research and development.