PASSIVE MULTIPLICITY COUNTING WITH THE NUCLEAR MATERIALS IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR PLUTONIUM

Year
1999
Author(s)
T.E. Valentine - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J.A. Mullens - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J.T. Mihalczo - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
R.B. Perez - Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Abstract
Passive multiplicity measurements with the Nuclear Materials Identification Systems (NMIS) may provide a means to determine the mass of a plutonium sample. Nuetron and gamma radiation detectors with the NMIS provide additional information that is not achievable with standard multiplicity measurements. To investigate the use of NMIS, a Monte Carlo code was modified to simulate active and passive multiplicity measurements. The Monte Carlo calculations can be used to design a passive neutron and gamma multiplicity counter using the Nuclear Materials Identification System and determine the sensitivity of the NMIS active and passive multiplicity measurements.