EurekAlert May 19, 2021
Researchers in Sweden have developed a Neutron-Gamma Emission Tomography (NGET) system that goes beyond the capabilities of existing radiation portal monitors, by measuring the time and energy correlations between particles emitted in nuclear fission and using machine learning algorithms to visualize where they are coming from. The system looks for coincidences of neutron and gamma ray emissions–which when mapped together in real-time allow pinpointing their origin. They demonstrated the method on a radiation portal monitor prototype system based on fast organic scintillators measuring the characteristic fast time and energy correlations between particles emitted in nuclear fission processes. NGET can detect nuclear weapons, radiation-dispersing “dirty bombs” and it can be used to detect environmental radiation, such as leaks from nuclear facilities or even natural sources…read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLEÂ
Schematic illustration of NGET event mapping following the detection of a correlated γ-neutron pair from one fission event. Credit: Science Advances 19 May 2021: Vol. 7, no. 21, eabg3032Â