title: Development of a thermal neutron sensor for Humanitarian Demining.
abstract: A thermal neutron sensor prototype for Humanitarian Demining has been developed, trying to minimize cost and complexity of the system as required in such application. A (252)Cf source or a sealed-tube neutron generator is employed to produce primary fast neutrons that are thermalized in a moderator designed to optimize the neutron capture reaction yield in buried samples. A description of the sensor, including the performances of the acquisition system based on a Flash ADC card and final tests with explosive simulants are reported. A comparison of the sensor performance when using a radioactive source to that when employing a sealed-tube neutron generator is presented. Limitations and possible applications of this technique are discussed.
authors.affiliation: INFN, Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro, via dell'Universita' 2, Legnaro, Padova I-35020, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cinausero
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lunardon
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nebbia
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pesente
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Viesti
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Filippini
mesh_terms: D001753:Blast Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002142:Californium / Q000737:chemistry; D005107:Explosions / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005214:Fast Neutrons; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013051:Spectrometry, Gamma / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D014227:Triazines / Q000032:analysis; D014857:Warfare
chemical_list: D014227:Triazines; D002142:Californium; C011907:melamine