Acknowledgement
The author thanks the Dipartimento di Fisica degli Universita di Padova and INFN sezione di Padova, for hosting the experimental activities in collaboration with the ICTP-IAEA Sandwich Training Educational Program (STEP). Special thanks are due to Dr. Ibrahim ElAgib from King Saud University for valuable discussions on the properties of MCNP.
References
- H. Killers, The Global Land-Mine Crisis, Report Released by the US Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Humanitarian De-mining Programs, Washington, DC, 1998.
- G. Vourvopoulos, P.C. Womble, Pulsed fast/thermal neutron analysis: a technique for explosives detection, Talanta 54 (2001) 459-468. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0039-9140(00)00544-0
- N. Elsheikh, G. Viesti, I. ElAgib, F. Habbani, On the use of a (252Cf-3He) assembly for landmine detection by the neutron back-scattering method, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 70 (2012) 643-649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2012.01.004
- S.F. Masoudi, M. Ghashami, D-T neutron generators as a feasibility tool for landmine detection based on neutron backscattering method, Ann. Nucl. Energy 65 (2014) 441-445. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2013.11.030
- G. Vourvopoulos, R.A. Sullivan, Evaluation of PELAN as a landmine confirmation sensor, Proc. SPIE 6217 (2006) 1-6, 62171P.
- N.A.A. Elsheikh, Monte Carlo modelling of a neutron-induced gamma-ray sensor for landmine or explosive detection, J. Radiat. Res. Appl. Sci. 11 (2018) 403-407. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrras.2018.08.004
- S.A.I. Corporation, an Advanced ESTCP PELAN System for Surface and NearSurface UXO Discrimination, ESTCP Project Number MM-200503, 2009.
- A.A.E. Nassreldeen, Characterization of (252Cf-ZrH2) Monte Carlo model for detection of nitrogen and chlorine by thermal neutron-capture PGNAA, Radiat. Phys. Chem. 188 (2021) 109591. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2021.109591
- E.M.A. Hussein, E.J. Waller, Landmine detection: the problem and the challenge, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 53 (2000) 557-563. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0969-8043(00)00218-9
- V.R. Bom, C.P. Datema, C.W.E. Van Ejik, The status of the delft university neutron backscatter landmine detector (DUNBLAD), Appl. Radiat. Isot. 61 (2004) 21-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.02.012
- F.D. Brooks, M. Drosg, The HYDAD-D anti-personnel landmine detector, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 63 (2005) 565-574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2005.05.006
- C.P. Datema, V.R. Bom, C.W.E. Van Eijk, Landmine detection with the neutron backscattering method, IEEE Nucl. Sci. Conf. Rec. 1 (2001) 5111-5114.
- C.P. Datema, V.R. Bom, C.W.E. Van Eijk, Experimental results and Monte Carlo simulations of a landmine localization device using the neutron backscattering method, Nucl. Instrum. Methods 488 (2002) 441-450. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-9002(02)00402-3
- A.A.E. Nassreldeen, Multi-parameter optimization of a (3He-252Cf-3He) neutron backscattering sensor for landmine detection, J. Radiat. Res. Appl. Sci. 10 (2017) 122-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrras.2017.02.001
- B. Kiraly, L. Olah, J. Csikai, Neutron-based techniques for detection of explosives and drugs, Radiat. Phys. Chem. 61 (2001) 781-784. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0969-806X(01)00403-0
- J. Csikai, R. Doczi, B. Kiraly, Investigations on landmine detection by neutron-based techniques, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 61 (2004) 11-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.02.011
- F.D. Brooks, M. Drosg, A. Buffler, M.S. Allie, Detection of anti-personnel landmines by neutron scattering and attenuation, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 61 (2004) 27-34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2004.02.013
- A.A.E. Nassreldeen, Gamma-ray and neutron shielding features for some fast neutron moderators of interest in 252Cf-based boron neutron capture therapy, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 156 (2020) 109012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.109012
- F.D. Brooks, M. Drosg, The HYDAD-D antipersonnel landmine detector, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 63 (2005) 565-574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2005.05.006
- Obhadas, D. Sudac, K. Nad, V. Valkovic, G. Nebbia, G. Viesti, The soil moisture and its relevance to landmine detection by neutron backscattering technique, Nucl. Instrum. Methods B 213 (2004) 445-451. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-583X(03)01587-8
- M. Asnal, T. Liamsuwan, T. Onjun, An evaluation on the design of beam shaping assembly based on the D-T reaction for BNCT, J. Phys. Conf. 611 (2015), 012031.
- I. Elagib, A.M. Artoli, F. Habbani, M. Badawi, Monte Carlo simulation of Pu-Be, Am-Be and Cf-252 neutrons backscattering from buried explosives in dry soil, in: International Conference on Computer Applications Technology (ICCAT), 2013, pp. 1-4.
- National nuclear data center, Brookhaven National laboratory. https://www.nndc.bnl.gov/, 2008.
- R. Khabaz, Assessment of gamma-rays generated by the spontaneous fission source 252Cf using a Monte Carlo method, Ann. Nucl. Energy 46 (2012) 76-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2012.03.014
- A.A.E. Nassreldeen, Shielding capabilities of Mg (BH4)2, TiH2, C2H4-25%B and C2H4 as 252Cf neutron source shielding containers: Monte Carlo simulations, Afr. Rev. Phys. 15 (2020), 0013.
- T. Dhliwayo, Development of advanced shield systems for fast neutrons, Int. Nucl. Saf. J. 3 (2014) 49-53.
- F.A. Smith, A Primer in Applied Radiation Physics, Singapore: World Scientific Publishing Co.Pte.Ltd, Po Box 128, Farrer Road, Singapore, 2000, p. 912805.
- V.P. Singh, N.M. Badiger, Gamma ray and neutron shielding properties of some alloy materials, Ann. Nucl. Energy 64 (2014) 301-310. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anucene.2013.10.003
- M.I. Sayyed, O. Agar, F. Akman, H.O. Tekin, M.R. Kacal, An extensive investigation on gamma ray shielding features of Pd/Ag based alloys, Nucl. Eng. Technol. 51 (2019) 853-859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.net.2018.12.014
- T. Hayashi, K. Tobita, Y. Nakamori, S. Orimo, Advanced neutron shielding material using zirconium borohydride and zirconium hydride, J. Nucl. Mater. (2009) 386-388.
- X-5 Monte Carlo Team, MCNP- a General Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport Code: Overview and Theory, vol. 5, Los Alamos National Laboratory, 2003. Revised 6/30/04).
- V. Bom, M.A. Ali, C.W.E. van Eijk, Land mine detection with neutron back scattering imaging using a neutron generator, EEE Trans. Nucl. Sci. 53 (2006) 356-360. https://doi.org/10.1109/TNS.2006.869841
- B.C. Anderson, K.E. Holbert, H. Bowler, Design, Construction, and Modeling of a 252Cf Neutron Irradiator, Science and Technology of Nuclear Installations, 2016, p. 9012747.
- J. Scherzinger, J.R.M. Annand, G. Davatz, K.G. Fissum, U. Gendottid, R. HallWilton, A. Rosborg, E. H akansson, R. Jebali, K. Kanakib, M. Lundin, B. Nilsson, H. Svensson, Tagging fast neutrons from an 241Am/9Be source, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 98 (2015) 74-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.01.003
- J.G. Fantidis, Comparison of different geometric configurations and materials for neutron radiography purposes based on a 241Am/Be neutron source, J. Taibah Univ. Sci. 6 (2017) 1214-1220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtusci.2016.10.002
- Z.D. Whetstone, K.J. Kearfott, A review of conventional explosives detection using active neutron interrogation, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 301 (2014) 629-639. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3260-5
- T.P. Lou, Compact D-D/d-T Neutron Generators and Their Applications, A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Satisfaction of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University Of California, Berkeley, 2003.
- T.W. Crane, M.P. Baker, Neutron detectors. Chap. 13, passive nondestructive assay of nuclear materials, in: D. Reilly, et al. (Eds.), Technical Report NUREG/CR-5550; LA-UR-90-732, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM, USA, 1991.
- D.R. Ochbelagh, Comparison of 3He and BF3neutron detectors used to detect hydrogenous material buried in soil, Radiat. Phys. Chem. 81 (2012) 379-382. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radphyschem.2011.12.031
- K. Zeitelhack, Search for alternative techniques to helium-3 based detectors for neutron scattering applications, Sci. Rev. 23 (2012) 10-13.
- K.A. Guzman-Garcia, H.R. Vega-Carrillo, E. Gallego, J.A. Gonzalez-Gonzalez, A. Lorente, S. Ibanez-Fernandez, 10B+ZnS(Ag) as an alternative to 3He-based detectors for radiation portal monitors, EPJ Web Conf. 253 (2017), 07008.
- R.V. Griffith, J. Palfalvi, U. Madhvanath, Compendium of Neutron Spectra and Detector Responses for Radiation Protection Purposes, IAEA Technical Report Ser. No.318, IAEA, Vienna, 1990.
- T.E. Valentine, MCNP-DSP Users Manual, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 2001. ORNL/TM-13334/2.
- J.C.G. Walker, Evolution of the Atmosphere, 1977.
- G.F. Knoll, Radiation Detection and Measurement, second ed., Wiley, New York, 1989.
- G. Mauri, F. Messi, K. Kanaki, R. Hall-Wilton, F. Piscitelli, Fast neutron sensitivity for 3He detectors and comparison with Boron-10 based neutron detectors, EPJ Tech. Instrum. 6 (2019) 3. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjti/s40485-019-0052-x
- F. Piscitelli, G. Mauri, A. Laloni, R. Hall-Wilton, Verification of He-3 proportional counters' fast neutron sensitivity through a comparison with He-4 detectors He-3 and He-4 proportional counters' fast neutron sensitivity and evaluation of the cosmic neutron fluxes at ESS, Eur. Phys. J. Plus 135 (2020) 577. https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/s13360-020-00600-8
- ISO 230-7, Test Code for Machine Tools-Part7: Geometric Accuracy of Axes of Rotation, 2015.
- S. Ghosh, A. Sharma, G. Talukder, Zirconium: an abnormal trace element in biology, Biol. Trace Elem. Res. 35 (1992) 247-271. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02783770
- M. Tanveer, L. Wang, Potential targets to reduce beryllium toxicity in plants: a review, Plant Physiol. Biochem. 139 (2019) 691-696. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2019.04.022
- Shanghai metals market (SMM), November. https://www.metal.com/, 2021.
- K.J.R. Rosman, P.D.P. Taylor, IUPAC subcommittee for isotopic abundance measurements, Pure Appl. Chem. 71 (1999) 1593-1607. https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199971081593
- M.J. Fayer, G.W. Gee, Neutron Scattering, Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, 2005, pp. 6-12.
- E.L. Greacen, G. Schrale, The effect of bulk density on neutron meter calibration, Aust. J. Soil Res. 14 (1976) 159-169. https://doi.org/10.1071/SR9760159
- P.G. Marais, W.B.D.E.V. Smit, Effect of bulk density and of hydrogen in forms other than free water on the calibration curve of the neutron moisture meter, South Afr. J. Agric. Sci. 5 (1962) 225-238.
- E. Dian, K. Kanaki, R.J. Hall-Wilton, P. Zagyvai, Sz Czifrus, Neutron activation and prompt gamma intensity in Ar/CO2-flled neutron detectors at the European Spallation Source, Appl. Radiat. Isot. 128 (2017) 275-786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.06.003
- M.M. Bournea, C. Mussi, E.C. Miller, S.D. Clarke, S.A. Pozzi, A. Gueorguiev, Characterization of the CLYC detector for neutron and photon detection, Nucl. Instrum. Methods Phys. Res. 736 (2014) 124-127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2013.10.030