Gamma Resonance Technology Applied to the Detection of IEDs and Potential Nuclear Threats

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Kirk Newman, NSWC IHDIV, Code 240 and

Joe Brondo, President and CEO, Scientific Innovations, Inc.

Neutrons

Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis Neutron

Backscatter

Associated Alpha

Particle Time of Flight

Thermal Neutron Analysis

Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Analysis

Electromagnetic

Nuclear Magnetic

Resonance NMR/ESR

Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance

NQR

Other Nuclear

Gamma Backscatter

Gamma Transmission

Gamma Resonance Technology

X-Ray

Standard Transmission

Computed Tomography

Backscatter

Dual Energy

Diffraction

SII PATENTS BULK ANALYSIS

Trace Analysis

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Technology MapTechnology Map

GRT versus PFNAGRT versus PFNA

• Both technologies provide sensitivity and specificity to the elemental composition of the cargo. This is the future way of interrogation.

• GRT is considerably reduced in size. Does not require a separate building, nor extensive shielding (requires soft X-ray shielding).

• GRT does not activate the cargo nor the building.

• GRT does not require building decontamination.

• GRT price is about one third of that announced for PFNA

• GRT data analysis for image reconstruction is similar to that used for CT (or CAT) image processing with superior spatial resolution.

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Objective

To implement a novel and efficient approach for stand-off detection and localization of explosives in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and potential nuclear threats (e.g., “Dirty Bomb”).

• The method takes advantage of Gamma Nuclear Resonance.

• This is an element specific interaction of highly penetrating gamma radiation with matter.

• Several explosives have been uniquely identified by nitrogen concentration and density. See Figure 1.

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Gamma Resonance System

A gamma resonance system can be utilized in either a transmission mode, like a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scanner, or in a scattering stand-off mode. A system consists of the following components.

• A proton accelerator with a suitable target material upon which impinging protons produce a resonance gamma beam via proton resonance ( p, ) reaction.

• The resonance gamma radiation interrogating an object is detected by specific resonance detectors.

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An accelerator is used to produce protons at a specific energy such that unique resonant gamma rays are generated from impingement on a specific target. The emitted gamma rays pass through a volume of interest and interact resonantly with specific elements of interest so that images of the elemental density are developed from the variation in gamma detection counts. Fluorescence or scattered gammas resonant with the element are also detected simultaneously. Non resonant gamma rays are used to image total density.

Gamma Resonance System

InspectedObject

Resonance GammaBeam

Main Components of the System

Detectors

Proton Accelerator

~2 MeV, 10 mA

Target

(p,) E4

Recoil DopplerE = (E - E2/Mc2)(1 + (v/c)cos)

E ~10 MeV

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Interrogate for HE using nitrogen detectors (and chlorine detectors), or Interrogate for potential nuclear threat using neutron detectors.

What is a safe stand-off distance? 100 m, 300 m, …, farther

Stand-off use of the system in a fluorescence

(backscattering) mode

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Transmission in AirDistance

(m)On

ResonanceOff

Resonance

23%46%300

38%60%200

62%77%100

79%88%50

95%97%10

Stand-off considering Recoil only is presented below. If Doppler is also considered, resonance @ stand-off is improved.

Proof-of-Principle For GRT

Nitrogenous and

non-nitrogenousobjects placed

in a beam.

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Images:

Out of resonance

In resonance

Proof-of-Principle For GRT

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The gammagram (upper) and the nitrogram (lower) are created simultaneously. There is separation of the explosives from the remaining items.

Six explosives were hidden in a LD-3 container loaded with a mixed cargo.

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Technology Today

Scientific Innovations, Inc. “owns” the GRT, as represented by several patents.• There are commercial sources for the accelerators.

• Systems using a single beam can interrogate for both IEDs and potential nuclear threats. These can be demonstrated in 18 months.

• Using parallel program structure, advanced systems using multiple beams can be developed to identify shielding materials and interrogate other sophisticated threats. These can be demonstrated in a few years.

• Delivery of “turn-key” systems is possible.

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Issues• Feasibility of Technology - NSWC IHDIV and NSWCDD can assist Scientific Innovations, Inc. with assessment of technology to IED detection. Requires a new facility to be established for experimentation.

• Health effects - Scientific Innovations, Inc. has a working relationship with Brookhaven National Lab and can evaluate human health issues and recommend mitigation techniques.

• Stand-off Range - NSWC IHDIV and NSWCDD can assist Scientific Innovations, Inc. with experimentation if the new facility is established.

• Probability of False Alarms - Based upon previous work, this appears to be very low, but NSWC IHDIV and NSWCDD can assist Scientific Innovations, Inc. with the proposed applications.

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Applications

• Check Points - using Gamma Resonance fluorescence and absorption techniques to automatically identify and accurately locate “suicide bombers” and/or explosive laden vehicles and/or a nuclear threat at a safe stand-off.

• Convoys - using Gamma Resonance fluorescence techniques to automatically identify and accurately locate IEDs, large “roadside bombs”and/or a nuclear threat at a safe stand-off.

• Aerial Search - minimize equipment size and integrate with helicopter platform to detect, track, and defeat various threats at greater stand-off.

• MOUT - minimize equipment size and integrate to be compatible with platforms and/or personnel to detect and locate “Booby-Traps” or concealed IEDs in buildings at a safe stand-off.

Opportunity

To establish a test bed facility with a 1.1 HE site approval and suitable range that can implement a novel and efficient approach for detection and localization of explosives in Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) as well as potential nuclear threats.

• The method takes advantage of Gamma Nuclear Resonance.

• This is expandable to chemical warfare agents.

• This is expandable to biological warfare agents.

• This is expandable to illegal drug detection.

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Back-up Slides

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Brookhaven National LaboratoryBrookhaven National LaboratoryLucian Wielopolski, Ph.D.Lucian Wielopolski, Ph.D.

Associate Principle Investigator

• Human Effects Studies

• Neutron Detectors

945

GRT: Current LocationGRT: Current Location

The System Has Been Located at BNL in Bldg. 945

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Partial Installation of the Resonance Source at BNL Site For R&D and Testing of Resonance Technology.

Specialized Resonance Detectors for Nitrogen, Used in Proof-of-Principle Demonstration, Were Developed.

GRT StatusGRT Status

Operational High Intensity Resonance Source at Northrop Grumman Prior to Transferto BNL

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Photo-Fission Technology, PFTPhoto-Fission Technology, PFT is based on nuclear absorption of energetic gamma rays that above threshold energy induce fission in fissile materials, e.g., U-235, Pu-239, Th-232, and subsequent detection of the emitted delayed neutrons.

High-Z Detection Technology, HZTHigh-Z Detection Technology, HZTis based on attenuation of dual or triple high energy gamma beams and solving simultaneous transmission equations for resolving high- and low-z materials.

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Anticipated Roles

• SCII - Provide Technology

• BNL - Test Bed Facility for Human Effects & Detectors

• NSWC IHD Code 240

– Establish HE Test Bed Facility (renovation of Bldg. 1899)

– Conduct IED Detection Demonstrations at Stand-Off

• NSWCDD (J) - Provide Direction

• NSWCDD (G80) - System Integration with Platforms

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