Monte Carlo simulation of explosive detection system based on a Deuterium–Deuterium (D–D) neutron generator

Abstract

An explosive detection system based on a Deuterium–Deuterium (D–D) neutron generator has been simulated using the Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code (MCNP5). Nuclear-based explosive detection methods can detect explosives by identifying their elemental components, especially nitrogen. Thermal neutron capture reactions have been used for detecting prompt gamma emission (10.82MeV) following radiative neutron capture by 14N nuclei. The explosive detection system was built based on a fully high-voltage-shielded, axial D–D neutron generator with a radio frequency (RF) driven ion source and nominal yield of about 1010 fast neutrons per second (E=2.5MeV). Polyethylene and paraffin were used as moderators with borated polyethylene and lead as neutron and gamma ray shielding, respectively. The shape and the thickness of the moderators and shields are optimized to produce the highest thermal neutron flux at the position of the explosive and the minimum total dose at the outer surfaces of the explosive detection system walls. In addition, simulation of the response functions of NaI, BGO, and LaBr3-based γ-ray detectors to different explosives is described.