The model JSR-12 neutron coincidence analyzer

This paper reports that one of the ways in which non-destructive assays for nuclear materials is made involved counting the neutron signatures which result from spontaneous or induced fissions in fissile materials. A major problem in determining the number of fission neutrons is trying to separate them from the background of neutrons arising from alpha particle interactions with lighter nuclei in the matrix materials of the samples being assayed. The JSR-12 neutron coincidence analyzer operates on the principle that fission neutrons occur in multiples of two or more, whereas background neutrons occur randomly as single events. By exploiting this time correlation difference, the JSR-12 can determine the fission neutron signal. This instrument represents a considerable upgrade from the industry standard JSR-11, by doubling the response speed and adding complete computer control of all functions, as well as employing non-volatile memory for data storage. Operation has been simplified for field use by using an LCD display to guide the operator in setting up assay parameters, and by time-date tagging all assays for later retrieval