Performance of a Compact Gamma Tube Interrogation Source

Active interrogation with high-energy monoenergetic gammas can induce photofission signals in fissile materials while minimizing absorbed radiation dose and background from surrounding materials. A first-generation axial-type gamma generator has been developed that utilizes the 11B(p,g)12C nuclear reaction at a 163 keV resonance to produce monoenergetic 12-MeV gamma-rays. The gamma tube employs a water-cooled cylindrical radio frequency (if) induction ion source capable of producing a proton current density of up to 100 mA/cm2. The extracted proton beam bombards a lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) target at energies up to 200 keV. The 12-MeV gamma intensity was measured as a function of proton energy, beam current, and angle. Photofission-induced neutrons from depleted uranium (DU) were measured and compared to MCNPX calculations. After extended operation, the high power density of the proton beam was observed to cause damage to the LaB6 target and the gamma tube improvements currently being made to mitigate this damage are discussed.