Assessment of the associated particle technique with high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy for in-field identification of chemical warfare agents and explosives

High-resolution prompt γ-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) is performed using the associated particle (AP) technique with a deuterium–tritium neutron generator and high-purity germanium detector. Although the time resolution is inferior compared to similar systems employing fast scintillation γ-ray detectors, the strong background suppression combined with the high γ-ray energy resolution provides an important boost in sensitivity to certain key elements, especially relevant to field measurements of complex chemicals encased within thick layers of metal, such as in recovered chemical warfare (CW) munitions. Results for various CW and explosive simulants contained within mock munitions are presented and compared with results obtained from traditional PGNAA measurements without the aid of the AP technique. Significant improvements in identification and discrimination between certain chemicals are achieved with the high energy resolution AP technique.