Technology Commercialization and Partnerships | BSA 12-06: System for Detection of Unexploded Ornance and Other Potential Explosives

Category: electronics & instrumentation

BSA 12-06: System for Detection of Unexploded Ornance and Other Potential Explosives

BNL Reference Number: BSA 12-06

Patent Status: Provisional filed on June 18, 2012

Summary

This invention is a system and method for detection of unexploded ordnance and other potential explosives. It includes an improved algorithm for calculating the respective propotions of target elemental constituents, including carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, which can indicate whether a target object is a probable explosive.

Description

This invention has particular application in detecting unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and other potential explosive devices. This invention comprises a system and method for implementing an improved timing resolution for detection of prompt gamma-rays and gamma-ray spectroscopy based on correlation of the prompt gamma signal with a known neutron time-of-flight. The neutron source emits the neutron and a correlated alpha particle at the same time, in opposite directions. The neutron time of flight is calculated based on position-sensitive detection of the alpha particle. Utilization of a specialized algorithm allows calculation of the respective proportions present of elemental isotopes of interest, such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, useful in determining whether the identified target is potentially explosive.

Benefits

This novel system and method for gamma-ray spectral analysis has been demonstrated to optimally extract the signals of the signature elements of explosives, carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) from 57-155 mm projectiles following tagged neutron beam interrogation. Unlike conventional techniques for gamma ray spectral analysis, this invention includes the Compton continuum under a spectrum, providing for better energy resolution and greater accuracy.

Applications and Industries

Current DoD spending on UXO site remediation in the United States is currently funded at about $200 M per year. The Report of the Defense Science Board Task Force on Unexploded Ordnance estimates that, using new high-tech UXO detection technologies, total UXO remediation costs will reach about $16 Billion. Potential applications also include screening air cargo and shipping cargo.