An Optimum Landmine Detection System Using Polyethylene Moderator and 241Am-Be as a Neutron Source

In this paper an optimized moderating structure using an 241Am-Be neutron source for detecting landmines (using the PGNAA method) has been investigated by experiment. The experimental set up composed of a Pb cylindrical shell enclosing the neutron source, embedded in a fixed size High-density polyethylene (HDPe) cylinder with the variable thickness of the upper and lower moderator. The optimizing approach applied in this work is straighter than the usual approach that is based on measuring the prompt gamma rays rate due to the Landmine nuclei. Methodologically, by using the concept of PGNAA method a novel approach was studied and some groups of experiment have been done to measure the several moderator configurations' responses.