Research and development of a compact discharge-driven D-D fusion neutron source for explosive detection

Current results are described on the research and development of the advanced humanitarian landmine detection system by using a compact discharge-type fusion neutron source called IECF (Inertial-Electrostatic Confinement fusion) devices. With a 50 mm-thick water-jacketed IEC device (IEC20C) of a 200 mm inner diameter, it can produce 107 neutrons/s stably in CW mode for 80 kV and 80 mA. Ample 10.8 MeV gamma-rays produced through (n, gamma) reaction with nitrogen atoms in the melamine (C3H6N6) powder (explosive simulant) are clearly measured by a BGO-NaI-combined scintillation sensor with distinct difference in cases with and without melamine. This proves feasibility of the identification of the buried landmines. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.