D-T neutron generators as a feasibility tool for landmine detection based on neutron backscattering method

The detection of buried landmines was investigated based on using D-T neutron source and neutron backscattering method. Signal-to-noise ratio - which is the number of backscattered neutrons from the soil containing the explosives respect to the soil without explosives - was calculated using Monte-Carlo N-particle transport code. Different materials were used between the neutron source and soil to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The results showed that the thermal backscattered neutrons from landmine can be increased up to 2 times greater than the background. In addition, the effect of soil moisture on the results was studied. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.