Material classification by fast neutron scattering

The scattering of a beam of fast monoenergetic neutrons is used to determine elemental compositions of bulk samples (0.20.8 kg) of materials composed from one or more of the elements H, C, N, O, Al, S, Fe and Pb. Scattered neutrons are detected by liquid scintillators placed at forward and at backward angles. Different elements are identified by their characteristic scattering signatures derived either from a combination of time-of-flight and pulse height measurements. or from pulse height measurements alone. Scattering signatures measured for multi-element samples are analysed to determine atom fractions for H, C, N, O and other elements in the sample. Atom fractions determined from scattering signatures are insensitive to neutron interactions in material surrounding the scattering sample, provided the amount of material is not excessive. The atom fraction data are used to classify scattering material into categories including "explosives", "illicit drugs" and "other materials" for the purpose of contraband detection. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.