Tests of a novel method to assay SNM using polarized photofission and its sensitivity in the presence of shielding

A novel method to identify Special Nuclear Material was recently developed (Mueller et al., 2014) [1]. This method relies upon using a linearly polarized gamma-ray beam to induce photofission of a sample and then comparing the prompt fission neutron yields in and out of the plane of beam polarization. The present paper will describe experimental tests of this new technique and assess its sensitivity in the presence of shielding. The capability of this technique W measure the enrichment of uranium was tested by using combinations of thin U-235 and U-238 foils of known enrichments. The sensitivity of this assay W shielding by lead, steel, and polyethylene was experimentally measured and simulated using GEANT4. These tests show that the measured asymmetry can indeed be used W determine the enrichment of materials composed of an admixture of U-235 and U-238, and this asymmetry is relatively insensitive W moderate amounts of shielding. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.