Pu Scrap Multiplicity Counter (PSMC-01)

Features

• Designed for quantitative passive neutron analysis
• High efficiency: >54% for ²⁴⁰Pu spontaneous fission neutrons
• Die-away time: 50 µs
• Uniform axial response profile
• Sample cavity 20 x 40 cm (7.9 x 15.7 in.) (D x H)
• Fast Amptek^® electronics
• Operated using JSR-14 shift registers
• Includes internal de-randomizing board
• Available with NDA 2000 software
• Higher efficiency versions available (greater than 60%)

Description

The Plutonium Scrap Multiplicity Counter (PSMC)^1,2 is a high efficiency neutron coincidence counter designed for measuring the multiplicity of the neutron emission from both spontaneous fission and induced-fission reaction in plutonium and uranium. The PSMC was developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory to measure impure plutonium and mixed-oxide (MOX) scrap materials for safeguards and inventory control applications. Intended for the measurement of items up to 10 liters in volume, the counter is designed to provide improved measurement precision through the use of multiple rings of 3He proportional tubes.