720354Neutron Search InstrumentClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKWe aim to construct a prototype version of a recently patented, light-weight neutron sensor system. This will find immediate application in the detection and location of illicit special nuclear materials at international borders and ports. There is a well identified need for a highperformance search instrument to meet that need, such as that summarised in an IAEA specification (IAEA NSU NSD, version 3.0). However, the application of current technology, based on the use of 3He proportional counters, leads to a target detector mass of ~5kg for a hand-held device. This is much too high for a border-guard to carry throughout a full shift. Most of this mass is in fact taken up by the provision of a sufficiently large polyethylene moderator that is needed to thermalise the energetic neutrons generated by fissile materials to a point that the 3He detector operates. Symetrica has devised a detection technique that enables us to provide a large area detector to exceed the IAEA specification within a target mass of <1.5kg. This innovation is the latest detector concept to be spawned by the Company’s R&D programme. We have previously pioneered new approaches to the screening of cargo containers for radiological materials through the development of hand-held gamma-ray isotope identifiers, advanced spectroscopic portals, advanced plastic gamma-ray spectrometers and massive neutron detectors (up to 80kg). The current development should fill a particular need for a new sensitive neutron detector to assist in the search for illicit nuclear material. Our gamma-ray and neutron detector technology has already been evaluated by standards laboratories in the US (PNNL, LANL), the UK Health Protection Agency, the EU’s Joint Research Centre in Italy, the IAEA in Vienna. This grant proposal seeks to develop a miniaturised version of Symetrica’s neutron technology to meet the particular requirement fora new instrument concept so that it can be used in the Homeland Security market.