Development of neutron resonance transmission analysis using a laser accelerator driven neutron source

To guarantee the peaceful use of nuclear materials, nuclear materials are subject to accountancy and verification by the IAEA. To improve the efficiency of the verification process, the development and advancement of nondestructive analysis (NDA) methods for nuclear materials are required. Neutron transmission resonance analysis (NRTA) is one of the promising active NDA methods to quantify nuclear materials by irradiating pulsed neutrons to nuclear materials and measuring the transmitted neutron energy spectrum with the time-of-flight (TOF) method. In recent years, research and development of compact neutron sources has been conducted, and the hurdle for applying NRTA to various facilities where nuclear material accountancy and control are required has been gradually lowered. For high resolution TOF measurements in a compact NRTA system, a short-pulse neutron source is required. As a relatively new type of a neutron source, the laser accelerator-driven neutron source (LDNS) can generate extremely short pulses of neutrons. In addition, the laser system itself can be installed outside of a radiation-controlled area, giving it an advantage in terms of operation and maintenance. We have focused on these characteristics of the LDNS and have been developing the technology for the NRTA system using the LDNS. In this presentation, we will report on the development status of the NRTA system using the LDNS and its demonstration experiment. (author)