System and Method For Measuring and Analyzing Target Emissions

Abstract

An interrogation component is controllable between three detection/timing modes: neutron generator OFF for predetermined amount of time (Mode 1), neutron generator pulsing at 5-10 kHz/2-10 microseconds (Mode 2), and neutron generator pulsing at 200-400 Hz/25-200 microseconds (Mode 3). Utilizing the interrogation component in the three detection/timing modes to inspect a target facilitates data collection in both passive and active modes for both passive and stimulated emissions of gamma and neutron radiation.

1 . A method of interrogating the contents of a target comprising:
 directing neutron pulses having a first frequency at the target;   detecting a first type of radiation emitted from the target in response to the neutron pulses at the first frequency;   directing neutron pulses having a second frequency at the target; and   detecting a second type of radiation emitted from the target in response to the neutron pulse at the second frequency.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising directing gamma radiation at the target and detecting at least a portion of the gamma radiation that passes through the target. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , further comprising detecting a third type of radiation emitted from the target that is not response to interrogation by the neutron pulses.