General Colloquium
October 26 - 4:00pm Phys 223
(Coffee at 3:30p.m. in room 242)
October 26 - 4:00pm Phys 223
(Coffee at 3:30p.m. in room 242)
Prof. Phillip Womble
Professor of Physics at Western Kentucky University and Member of the Faculty at the Applied Physics Institute
Title: "The PELAN System for the Detection of Explosives "
PELAN (Pulsed ELemental Analysis with Neutrons) is a small portable system for the detection of explosives. PELAN weighs less than 45 kg and is man portable. It is based on the principle that explosives and other contraband contain various chemical elements such as H, C, N, O, etc. in quantities and ratios that differentiate them from other innocuous substances. The pulsed neutrons are produced with a 14 MeV (d-T) neutron generator. Separate gamma-ray spectra from fast neutron, thermal neutron and activation reactions are accumulated and analyzed to determine elemental content. The data analysis is performed in an automatic manner and a result of whether a threat is present is returned to the operator. PELAN has successfully undergone field demonstrations for explosive detection.
http://www.wku.edu/API
Dr. Phillip C. Womble received his Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from Florida State University. He is currently Assistant Professor at Western Kentucky University and a member of the Applied Physics Institute at Western Kentucky University. His research interest is in the area of non-destructive characterization and analysis. In particular, he is helping to develop techniques for on-line coal analysis, explosives and chemical warfare agent detection, nuclear waste characterization, and contraband detection.