Simultaneous Gamma-Neutron Vision device: a portable and versatile tool for nuclear inspections

Abstract

GN-Vision is a novel dual $γ$-ray and neutron imaging system, which aims at simultaneously obtaining information about the spatial origin of $γ$-ray and neutron sources. The proposed device is based on two position sensitive detection planes and exploits the Compton imaging technique for the imaging of $γ$-rays. In addition, spatial distributions of slow- and thermal-neutron sources ($<$100 eV) are reconstructed by using a passive neutron pin-hole collimator attached to the first detection plane. The proposed gamma-neutron imaging device could be of prime interest for nuclear safety and security applications. The two main advantages of this imaging system are its high efficiency and portability, making it well suited for nuclear applications were compactness and real-time imaging is important. This work presents the working principle and conceptual design of the GN-Vision system based on Monte Carlo simulations and explores its simultaneous $γ$-ray and neutron detection and imaging capabilities for a realistic case of a security inspection where a $^{252}$Cf source is hidden in a neutron moderating container.