New Processor for Fissile System Measurements for NMC&A

Year
1997
Author(s)
T.E. Valentine - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J.A. Mullens - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J.T. Mihalczo - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
T. Gafford - Lockheed Martin Energy Systems
J.E. Breeding - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
G.W. Turner - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J.A. McEvers - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
M.C. Smith - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
D.E. McMillen - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Abstract
A high-speed time event processor has been developed to obtain signatures in active neutron interrogation measurements. The processor employs 1GHz event sampling, data compression, and time correlation algorithms to achieve the high-bandwidth signatures necessary for identification of weapons/components. The processor can produce signatures for a measurement utilizing a 252Cf source and up to four detectors. Signatures produced include signal correlations (related to Rossi- and pulsed neutron measurements), spectra (including auto and cross power spectra and coherences), the ratio of spectral densities, and multiplicities (from which the Feynman Variance can be obtained). Signatures can be displayed non-intrusively when they are divided by another signature. The use of commercial hardware and standard interfaces provides a migration path for future real-time processing improvements and a lower-profile, more portable system. This processor is currently operational at the Oak Ridge Y-12 plant.