Fusion based neutron sources for security applications: Neutron techniques

The current reliance on X-Rays and intelligence for national security is insufficient to combat the current risks of smuggling and terrorism seen on an international level. There are a range of neutron based security techniques which have the potential to dramatically improve national security. Neutron techniques can be broadly grouped into neutron in/neutron out and neutron in/photon out techniques. The use of accelerator based fusion devices will potentially enable to wide spread application of neutron security techniques due to the potential for much safer operation than that offered by fission or sealed tube sources. In this paper we discuss some of the neutron security techniques available and the advantages they present.