arXiv subjects

Sara A. Pozzi

Publications and source records attributed to Sara A. Pozzi.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Photonuclear Neutron Production in OpenMC: Verification Against MCNPX, FLUKA, and a First-Collision Analytical Solution

The modeling of photonuclear reactions is increasingly important for applications involving high-energy photon fields, including accelerator-driven neutron sources, radiation shielding, medical physics, and fusion technologies. Although the Monte Carlo code OpenMC provides well-verified photoatomic transport capabilities, its photonuclear physics is currently available only in an unofficial development branch and requires independent verification before broader scientific use or possible integration into the official code distribution. This work presents a systematic verification of the OpenMC photonuclear implementation using six single-collision broomstick benchmarks based on 2H, 9Be, and 238U targets irradiated by monoenergetic 5 MeV and 15 MeV photons and by a continuous 1--20 MeV linear accelerator (LINAC)-representative spectrum. OpenMC was compared with MCNPX using common ENDF7u photonuclear data, with FLUKA using its native photonuclear models, and with a first-collision analytical solution for the integrated neutron yield. Calculations using the IAEA/PD-2019 library were also performed to quantify nuclear-data sensitivity. OpenMC and MCNPX agreed within 0.7% in integrated neutron yield for all benchmark cases when the same ENDF7u data were used. FLUKA, which relies on its own native photonuclear models rather than ENDF7u, differed from the analytical solution by approximately 6-9% for the monoenergetic cases and by no more than approximately 4% for the continuous-source cases. Changing the OpenMC library to IAEA/PD-2019 produced deviations of up to 11.3% from the ENDF7u-based analytical solution, with the sensitivity varying strongly by nuclide and source spectrum.

physics.app-ph↗

arXiv2026

Bayesian evidence adaptive pursuit to identify neutron sources with scatter-based spectrometers

Reliable neutron source identification is essential for nuclear nonproliferation, safeguards, and homeland security, but remains challenging because neutron spectral inversion is often ill-conditioned, especially for mixed-source fields with overlapping spectral signatures. Here, we present a scalable Bayesian framework for neutron source identification from recoil spectroscopy measurements using evidence-based model selection. The method introduces a Bayesian Evidence Adaptive Pursuit (BEAP) algorithm that efficiently searches the combinatorial space of candidate source ensembles by iteratively ranking, retaining, and pruning source mixtures according to their Bayesian evidence. We validate the framework experimentally with controlled Cf-252 and deuterium--deuterium neutron-generator measurements, complemented by high-fidelity Monte Carlo simulations spanning representative fission, $(α,\text{n})$, and fusion sources with varying emission rates and mixture complexities. BEAP correctly identifies single- and multi-source mixtures with decisive statistical support ($>\!4σ$), requiring between $\mathcal{O}(10^1)$ and $\mathcal{O}(10^6)$ detected recoil events depending on source-mixture complexity, spectral similarity, and emission-rate imbalance. These findings establish BEAP as a practical, scalable, and robust tool for quantitative source identification in mixed neutron fields, significantly extending the operational capabilities of scatter-based neutron spectrometers in nuclear security and emergency response applications.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2026

Identifying Neutron Sources using Recoil and Time-of-Flight Spectroscopy

Neutron-source identification is central to nuclear physics and its applications, from planetary science to nuclear security, yet direct source discrimination from measured neutron spectra remains fundamentally elusive. Here, we introduce a Bayesian protocol that directly infers source ensembles from measured neutron spectra by combining full-spectrum template matching with probabilistic evidence evaluation. Applying this protocol to recoil and time-of-flight spectroscopy, we recover single- and two-source configurations with strong statistical significance ($>\!\!4σ$) at event counts as low as $\sim\!\!10^{3}$. These results demonstrate that neutron spectral signatures can be leveraged for robust source identification, opening a new observational window for both fundamental research and operationally driven applications.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2024

Measurement of fragment-correlated $γ$-ray emission from $^{252}$Cf(sf)

This paper presents recent experimental results on the yield of prompt fission $γ$ rays from the spontaneous fission of $^{252}$Cf. We use an ionization chamber to tag fission events and measure the masses and kinetic energies of the fission fragments and trans-stilbene organic scintillators to measure the neutrons and $γ$ rays emitted by the fission fragments. The combination of the ionization chamber and trans-stilbene scintillators allows us to determine the properties of neutrons and $γ$ rays in coincidence with the fragments. The yield of $γ$ rays is known to be influenced by the angular momenta (AM) of the fission fragments. We present new experimental evidence that indicates that the total $γ$-ray multiplicity, i.e., the sum of both fragments' emission, saturates at sufficiently high internal fragment excitation energies. We also observe distinct behaviors for the yield of $γ$ rays from the light and heavy fragment, which for certain mass and total kinetic energy (TKE) regions are weakly or anti-correlated, indicating the presence of complex AM generation modes. We also observed a mass- and TKE-dependent anisotropy of the $γ$ rays, which challenges and expands on the conventional notion that the fragments' AM are always aligned perpendicularly to the fission axis. Moreover, the dependence of the anisotropy on mass and TKE indicates a dependence of these properties on the specific fission channels, thus providing an insight into the deformations and dynamics in fission and their connection with experimentally observable quantities.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2023

Multiplicity counting using organic scintillators to distinguish neutron sources: An advanced teaching laboratory

In this advanced instructional laboratory, students explore complex detection systems and nondestructive assay techniques used in the field of nuclear physics. After setting up and calibrating a neutron detection system, students carry out timing and energy deposition analyses of radiation signals. Through the timing of prompt fission neutron signals, multiplicity counting is used to carry out a special nuclear material (SNM) nondestructive assay. Our experimental setup is comprised of eight trans-stilbene organic scintillation detectors in a well-counter configuration, and measurements are taken on a spontaneous fission source as well as two (α,n) sources. By comparing each source's measured multiplicity distribution, the resulting measurements of the (α,n) sources can be distinguished from that of the spontaneous fission source. Such comparisons prevent the spoofing, i.e., intentional imitation, of a fission source by an (α,n) neutron source. This instructional laboratory is designed for nuclear engineering and physics students interested in organic scintillators, neutron sources, and nonproliferation radiation measurement techniques.

physics.ed-ph↗

arXiv2022

Correlations between energy and $γ$-ray emission in $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}(n,\mathrm{f})$

We study $γ$-ray emission following $^{239}\mathrm{Pu}(n,\mathrm{f})$ over an incident neutron energy range of $2 < E_i < 40$ MeV. We present the first experimental evidence for positive correlations between the total angular momentum generated in fission and the excitation energy of the compound nucleus prior to fission. The $γ$-ray multiplicity increases linearly with incident energy below the 2\textsuperscript{nd}-chance fission threshold with a slope of $0.085 \pm 0.010$ MeV$^{-1}$. This linear trend appears to hold for the average excitation energy of the compound nucleus between $9 < \langle E_x \rangle < 19$ MeV. Most of the multiplicity increase comes from an enhancement around a $γ$-ray energy of 0.7 MeV, which we interpret as stretched quadrupole $γ$ rays that indicate an increase in total fission-fragment angular momentum with excitation energy.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2022

Nonproliferation and fusion power plants

This is an abridged abstract; please see the full paper. This paper evaluates whether the nuclear nonproliferation regime applies to fusion power plants and finds that, legally, the regime does not apply. The paper then examines whether the nonproliferation regime should apply to fusion based on a technical evaluation. The paper concludes that fusion should continue to fall outside the nonproliferation regime and that the global, dual-use export control regime, including potentially developing a "controls by design" usage-based control regime, is better suited for commercial fusion energy.

physics.soc-ph↗

arXiv2022

Directional-dependence of the event-by-event neutron-$γ$ multiplicity correlations in $^{252}$Cf(sf)

We differentiate the event-by-event n-$γ$ multiplicity data from \ce{^{252}Cf}(sf) with respect to the energies of the emitted particles as well as their relative angles of emission. We determine that neutron emission enhances $γ$-ray emission around $0.7$ and $1.2$ MeV, but the only directional alignment was observed for $E_γ\leq 0.7$ MeV and tended to be parallel and antiparallel to neutrons emitted in the same event. The emission of $γ$ rays at other energies was determined to be nearly isotropic. The presence of the emission and alignment enhancements is explained by positive correlations between neutron emission and quadrupole $γ$-ray emission along rotational bands in the de-exciting fragments. This observation corroborates the hypothesis of positive correlations between the angular momentum of a fragment and its intrinsic excitation energy. The results of this work are especially relevant in view of the recent theoretical and experimental interest in the generation of angular momentum in fission. Specifically, we have determined an alignment of the fragments angular momenta in a direction perpendicular to the direction of motion. We interpret the lack of $n$-$γ$ angular correlations for fission fragments near closed shells as a weakening of the alignment process for spherical nuclei. Lastly, we have observed that statistical $γ$ rays are emitted isotropically, indicating that the average angular momentum removed by this radiation is small. These results, and the analysis tools presented in this work, represent a stepping stone for future analysis of $n$-$γ$ emission correlations and their connection to angular momentum properties.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2021

Generalization of the Maier-Leibniz Doppler-Shift Method for Gamma-Ray Correlations in Fission

The Maier-Leibniz Doppler-Shift technique is the most popular and accurate technique used in fission experiments to separate the yield of gamma rays from each of the two fission fragments. The technique exploits the aberration, i.e., the change in the angular distribution, of gamma rays emitted by a moving source. By measuring the speed and direction of the source with a conventional detector, as well as the yield of gamma rays at several angles from the direction of motion, the technique can be used to determine the mean multiplicities of gamma rays from each fragment. We show in this work that it is possible to extend the technique to also measure second moments of the gamma ray radiation from each fragment. In particular, given the current interest in fragment correlations in fission, we show that the covariance of the emission between the two fragments can be inferred. Experimental limitations and convergence of the new technique are discussed.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2021

Structure in the Event-by-Event Energy-Dependent Neutron-Gamma Multiplicity Correlations in $^{252}\text{Cf}$(sf)

The emission of neutrons and gamma rays by fission fragments reveal important information about the properties of fragments immediately following scission. The initial fragment properties, correlations between fragments, and emission competition give rise to correlations in neutron-gamma emission. Neutron-gamma correlations are important in nonproliferation applications because the characterization of fissionable samples relies on the identification of signatures in the measured radiation. Furthermore, recent theoretical and experimental advances have proposed to explain the mechanism of angular momentum generation in fission. In this paper, we present a novel analysis method of neutrons and gamma rays emitted by fission fragments that allows us to discern structure in the observed correlations. We have analyzed data collected on \ce{^{252}Cf}(sf) at the Chi-Nu array at the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center. Through our analysis of the energy-differential neutron-gamma multiplicity covariance, we have observed enhanced neutron-gamma correlations, corresponding to rotational band gamma-ray transitions, at gamma-ray energies of $0.7$ and $1.2$ MeV. To shed light on the origin of this structure, we compare the experimental data with the predictions of three model calculations. The origin of the observed correlation structure is understood in terms of a positive spin-energy correlation in the generation of angular momentum in fission.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2020

On the Feynman-alpha Method for Reflected Fissile Assemblies

The Feynman-alpha method is a neutron noise technique that is used to estimate the prompt neutron period of fissile assemblies. The method and quantity are of widespread interest including in applications such as nuclear criticality safety, safeguards and nonproliferation, and stockpile stewardship; the prompt neutron period may also be used to infer the $k_\text{eff}$ multiplication factor. The Feynman-alpha method is predicated on time-correlated neutron detections that deviate from a Poisson random variable due to multiplication. Traditionally, such measurements are diagnosed with one-region point kinetics, but two-region models are required when the fissile assembly is reflected. This paper presents a derivation of the two-region point kinetics Feynman-alpha equations based on a double integration of the Rossi-alpha equations, develops novel propagation of measurement uncertainty, and validates the theory. Validation is achieved with organic scintillator measurements of weapons-grade plutonium reflected by various amounts of copper to achieve $k_\text{eff}$ values of 0.83-0.94 and prompt periods of 5-75 ns. The results demonstrate that Feynman-alpha measurements should use the two-region model instead of the one-region model. The simplified one-region model deviates from the validated two-region models by as much as 10\% in the estimate of the prompt neutron period, and the two-region model reduces to the one-region model for small amounts of reflector. The Feynman-alpha estimates of the prompt neutron period are compared to those of the Rossi-alpha approach. The comparative results demonstrate that the Feynman-alpha method is more precise than the Rossi-alpha method and more accurate for $k_\text{eff}<0.92$, whereas the Rossi-alpha method is generally more accurate for higher multiplications.

physics.data-an↗

arXiv2020

Measured Nondestructive Assay of $^{237}$Np Using Organic Scintillators and Active Neutron Multiplicity Counting

The purpose of nondestructive assay in the context of nuclear safeguards is to precisely verify the declared mass of a sample of nuclear material in a noninhibitive amount of time. 237Np is a proliferation concern, and the capacity to efficiently assay samples of it is a missing piece in the verification and safeguards toolbox. The material is subject to the same safeguards as 235U, is reportable in gram quantities, and is classified as "other nuclear material" according to the United States Department of Energy. Given that 3000 kg of 237Np is annually produced in the US and the bare sphere critical mass is 40-60 kg, it is desirable to augment the safeguards toolbox with a system capable of distinguishing 10 g of 237Np in a 20-minute measurement. One measurement modality is neutron multiplicity counting, which relates the detected multiplicity count rates to the amount of fissionable material. Prior simulation work shows that an organic scintillator-based multiplicity counter can achieve the design criteria, whereas the flagship 3He-based system, the Epithermal Neutron Multiplicity Counter, requires much longer measurement times to achieve the same precision. In this work, simultaneous measurements of a 6-kg sphere of 237Np by organic scintillator- and 3He-based systems are used to confirm the trends in the simulation study; the organic scintillator-based system achieves 1% uncertainty in the neutron double multiplicity rate on the order of minutes, while the 3He-based system requires days to reach the same precision. In conclusion, the International Atomic Energy Agency should consider the development and deployment of an organic scintillator-based multiplicity counter

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2019

Event-by-Event Multiplicity Correlations in $^{252}$Cf(sf)

Excited nuclear fragments are emitted during nuclear fission. The de-excitation of these fission fragments takes place as sequential emission of neutrons followed by photons. A correlation between neutron and photon multiplicities accompanying fission is thus expected. Fission event generators based on established statistical nuclear physics models predict a negative event-by-event correlation in neutron-photon multiplicity. A survey of published experimental results of an event-by-event covariance between the neutron and photon multiplicities emitted following the spontaneous fission of $^{252}$Cf is presented. Analytic unfolding expressions are developed in this work to determine the bias introduced by background sources, particle misclassification, pulse pileup, and inelastic photon production. The published experimental data are re-analyzed using these unfolding techniques and are found to be in qualitative agreement with the predictions of model-based calculations. In particular, we have concluded that there exists a significant event-by-event neutron-photon emission competition following the spontaneous fission of $^{252}$Cf.

nucl-ex↗

arXiv2017

Single-View 3D Reconstruction of Correlated Gamma-Neutron Sources

We describe a new method of 3D image reconstruction of neutron sources that emit correlated gammas (e.g. Cf-252, Am-Be). This category includes a vast majority of neutron sources important in nuclear threat search, safeguards and non-proliferation. Rather than requiring multiple views of the source this technique relies on the source's intrinsic property of coincidence gamma and neutron emission. As a result only a single-view measurement of the source is required to perform the 3D reconstruction. In principle, any scatter camera sensitive to gammas and neutrons with adequate timing and interaction location resolution can perform this reconstruction. Using a neutron double scatter technique, we can calculate a conical surface of possible source locations. By including the time to a correlated gamma we further constrain the source location in three-dimensions by solving for the source-to-detector distance along the surface of said cone. As a proof of concept we applied these reconstruction techniques on measurements taken with the the Mobile Imager of Neutrons for Emergency Responders (MINER). Two Cf-252 sources measured at 50 and 60 cm from the center of the detector were resolved in their varying depth with average radial distance relative resolution of 26%. To demonstrate the technique's potential with an optimized system we simulated the measurement in MCNPX-PoliMi assuming timing resolution of 200 ps (from 2 ns in the current system) and source interaction location resolution of 5 mm (from 3 cm). These simulated improvements in scatter camera performance resulted in radial distance relative resolution decreasing to an average of 11%.

physics.data-an↗

arXiv2012

Two-point theory for the differential self-interrogation Feynman-alpha method

A Feynman-alpha formula has been derived in a two region domain pertaining the stochastic differential self-interrogation (DDSI) method and the differential die-away method (DDAA). Monte Carlo simulations have been used to assess the applicability of the variance to mean through determination of the physical reaction intensities of the physical processes in the two domains. More specifically, the branching processes of the neutrons in the two regions are described by the Chapman - Kolmogorov equation, including all reaction intensities for the various processes, that is used to derive a variance to mean relation for the process. The applicability of the Feynman-alpha or variance to mean formulae are assessed in DDSI and DDAA of spent fuel configurations.

math-ph↗