Alternative Imaging Technique for Safety Authorities Based on Fast Neutrons

(Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, June 06, 2013)

Scientists at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have developed a more flexible and cost-effective alternative imaging technique based on fast neutrons. Scientists at the Thermal-Hydraulics Laboratory are working on an imaging system comprised of compact neutron sources and neutron detectors with the possibly of production with low cost materials like polyethylene plastic. By generating fast neurons, the PSI-scientists addressed this by using deuterium atoms, a heavier isotope (form) of hydrogen, where scientists seek to knock out the extra neutron at high speed. In the detector, developed by the PSI researchers, a plastic (polyethylene) film serves as the prime element in the detection chain, where the neutrons transfer a part of their energy to protons by colliding with hydrogen atoms (protons) of the plastic. With the ability to determine the chemical composition of a sample, scientists working with safety authorities now have a very useful tool. Dangerous materials hidden in a suitcase or container can now be identified by more than just their physical shape.