Preliminary study of prompt gamma neutron activation analysis for Melamine

Abstract

Prompt gamma neutron activation (PGNA) technique can be applied for detecting explosives in hidden places by using spontaneous fission source 252Cf source or neutron generator that emits thermal and cold neutrons. Some of emitted neutrons will be captured by nuclei and results in production of prompt gamma rays. Explosive materials can be identified by observing prompt gamma energy spectrum using high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. Gamma energy peaks indicate the presence of corresponding explosive nuclei in scanned materials. This paper describes the experiments conducted to investigate the possibility of explosive detection by using PGNA with 241Am/Be neutron source and limitations that come with it.