Classifying threats with a 14-MeV neutron interrogation system.
SeaPODDS (Sea Portable Drug Detection System) is a non-intrusive tool for detecting concealed threats in hidden compartments of maritime vessels. This system consists of an electronic neutron generator, a gamma-ray detector, a data acquisition computer, and a laptop computer user-interface. Although initially developed to detect narcotics, recent algorithm developments have shown that the system is capable of correctly classifying a threat into one of four distinct categories: narcotic, explosive, chemical weapon, or radiological dispersion device (RDD). Detection of narcotics, explosives, and chemical weapons is based on gamma-ray signatures unique to the chemical elements. Elements are identified by their characteristic prompt gamma-rays induced by fast and thermal neutrons. Detection of RDD is accomplished by detecting gamma-rays emitted by common radioisotopes and nuclear reactor fission products. The algorithm phenomenology for classifying threats into the proper categories is presented here.
Strellis
Dan
D
Ancore Corporation, 2950 Patrick Henry Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA. dstrellis@rapiscansystems.com
Gozani
Tsahi
T
D000465:Algorithms; D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D004335:Drug and Narcotic Control / Q000379:methods; D005107:Explosions / Q000517:prevention & control; D009501:Neutron Activation Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009862:Online Systems; D014584:User-Computer Interface
D002619:Chemical Warfare Agents