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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

neutron detectors, gamma shielding, radioactive materials, gamma sensitivities

College

Physical and Mathematical Sciences

Department

Physics and Astronomy

Abstract

The BYU nuclear research group has over the past few years been attempting to design neutron detectors for the use of both scientists and homeland security applications. When radioactive materials are being transported, they can emit a broad spectrum of particles including gammas, betas, alphas, and neutrons. Specifically plutonium is fissile enough (it can sustain a chain fission reaction) such that it emits enough neutrons to detect while being transported. Neutrons unlike gamma rays can penetrate material used for shielding gammas like lead and bismuth. They are also unique to heavy metals used for building nuclear weapons so they can be used to distinguish between isotopes used for most medical purposes which are primarily gamma emitters. It is for these purposes that the use of neutron detectors has become so crucial for portal monitoring at ports and border checkpoints.

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