Nondestructive identification of isotopes using nuclear resonance fluorescence

Rev Sci Instrum. 2012 Jan;83(1):015103. doi: 10.1063/1.3673002.

Abstract

Nondestructive identification of heavy isotopes concealed in a thick iron box has been demonstrated by using nuclear resonance fluorescence. A quasi-monochromatic photon beam produced by the collision of laser quanta with high energy electrons was used for resonant excitation of nuclear levels in (206)Pb and (208)Pb. By measuring the resonant γ rays emitted from (206)Pb and (208)Pb, each of these isotopes were clearly identified. The ratio of the effective thickness, i.e., concentration distribution, of these isotopes was deduced from the relative intensities of the measured nuclear resonance fluorescence strengths.