3He neutron detector design for active detection of cargo containers

We report on the design of a neutron detector using industry standard He-3 tubes to count delayed neutrons during the interrogation of cargo containers for the presence of Special Nuclear Material (SNM). Simulations of the detector design were run for delayed neutron spectra for a variety of cargos containing SNM using the Monte Carlo computer code COG. The simulations identified parameters crucial to optimize the detector design. These choices include moderating material type and thickness, tube spacing, tube pressure and number of tubes. An experimental prototype was also constructed based on the simulated design specifications. This paper discusses the parameters that lead up to the optimized detector design. It also compares the performance of the Monte Carlo simulated design and the experimental detector when exposed to a Pu-239-Be source.