Performance Analysis and Verification of 14-MeV Fast Neutron Radiography

Abstract

The ability of 14-MeV fast-neutron radiography (FNR) to inspect bulky objects is evaluated. Both analytical and experimental approaches are used for this purpose. Two important performance parameters—spatial resolution and contrast sensitivity—are theoretically analyzed, especially considering the influence of scatter background and noise. The effect of detection quantum efficiency (DQE) on contrast sensitivity of FNR systems is discussed in this article. To verify the results, film-based neutron radiography experiments were performed using a high-intensity D-T neutron source. Iron samples of varying thickness and containing different detectable structures were used. The visibility and detection capability of the objects were compared with corresponding theoretical results. The results show that the spatial resolution is 0.6 mm and the contrast sensitivity is 2.9 mm for a 3-cm-thick sample. The experiments are in good agreement with theoretical results. This provides a theoretical model for fast-neutron system design and performance evaluation.