Several overlapping projects will be discussed during the talk. One project is focused on measuring independent and cumulative fission yields of a large number of short-lived fission products for post-detonation nuclear-forensics non-destructive analyses. A wide range of short- lived fission fragments are being characterized with half-lives between approximately one second and several hours by using cyclic neutron activation analysis (CNAA) to support DTRA’s research and development efforts for pre- and post-detonation nuclear forensics. We also use traditional neutron activation analysis (NAA) in conjunction with tailored radiochemistry procedures for fission fragments with half-lives up to several days. Specifically, we use monoenergetic 14-MeV and fast-neutron spectra (~MeV) to measure independent and cumulative fission yields of short-lived fission products (FPs) from fissile and fissionable actinides to enhance precision and expediency of pre- and post-detonation nuclear-forensics non-destructive analyses. These fundamental parameters are poorly known for many FPs, especially for short-lived FPs. The Pennsylvania State Breazeale Reactor (PSBR) and deuterium- tritium (D-T) 14-MeV neutron generator are used to induce fissions in various actinides of interest, namely Th-232, U-233, U-235, U-238, and Am-241.

The main project of this talk is focused on developing a novel micro-particle neutron- detection technology by coating LiF and boron particles with ZnS in a controlled manner, thereby significantly improving the commercially available technology based on mixed powders. Extensive radiation- and light-transport simulations indicate that the new technology has a great potential in substantially improving the powder-based technology. It is expected that the new technology will have applications in many areas dependent on neutron detection. The most recent results will be presented in detail to assess the potential of this new neutron- detection technology.