Abstract
PELAN (Pulsed ELemental Analysis with Neutrons) is a portable system for the detection of explosives, weighing less than 45 kg. It is based on the principle that explosives and other contraband contain various chemical elements such as H, C, N, O, etc. in quantities and ratios that differentiate them from other innocuous substances. Neutrons are produced with a pulsed 14 MeV (d-T) neutron generator. Separate gamma-ray spectra from fast neutron, thermal neutron and activation reactions are accumulated and analyzed to determine elemental content. Data analysis is performed in an automatic manner and a final result of whether a threat is present is returned to the operator. Recently, a number of modifications were performed to improve PELAN. Since the bismuth germanate detector's light output changes with temperature, an automatic gain stabilization system has been designed. Also, the signal-to-noise ratio has been increased by the innovative use of a veto shield placed around the bismuth germanate detector. This shield reduces Compton-continuum as well as the background gamma rays. Results from tests of the gain stabilization and the veto shield will be shown.
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