Variance analysis for passive neutron multiplicity counting

Passive neutron multiplicity counting is widely used as a nondestructive assay technique to quantify mass of plutonium material. One goal of this technique is to achieve good precision in a short measurement time. In this paper, we describe a procedure to derive mass assay variance for multiplicity counting based on the three-parameter model, and analytical equations are established using the measured neutron multiplicity distribution. Monte Carlo simulations are performed to evaluate precision versus plutonium mass under a fixed measurement time with the equations. Experimental data of seven weapons-grade plutonium samples are presented to test the expected performance. This variance analysis has been used for the counter design and optimal gate-width setting at Institute of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry.