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Understanding Neutron Radiography

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Beam Tailoring<br />

A neutron beam extracted directly from a source assembly without altering its<br />

basic content is called a raw or unfiltered neutron beam. <strong>Neutron</strong> radiographs<br />

are usually made with such beams because they give satisfactory results for<br />

most applications and they require the least effort to produce. Specially<br />

tailored neutron beams should be considered for neutron radiography only<br />

when unfiltered beams do not give the desired results.<br />

■ Gamma Filtration<br />

Generally, the gamma rays in a neutron beam do not cause serious<br />

interference problems in neutron radiographs. However, some neutron<br />

sources have inherently high gamma background because of special<br />

materials used in the assembly. Because some applications require a very<br />

low gamma background, gamma-ray filtration in the neutron beam should be<br />

considered. The most commonly used material for gamma filtration is bismuth;<br />

lead can also be used. The required thickness of the gamma filter is strongly<br />

dependent on the intensity and energy of the photons in the beam.<br />

Charlie Chong/ Fion Zhang

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