Development of compact Compton gamma camera for non-destructive detection and location of hidden explosives with neutron induced prompt gamma-ray imaging

As a unique gamma-ray sensor for detection and location of hidden explosives with neutron induced prompt gamma-ray analysis, we are developing a compact and efficient Compton gamma camera based on stacked BGO scintillator rods to deduce the incident direction of characteristic 10.8 MeV gamma-rays produced from nitrogen abundant in explosives through neutron capture reaction. The detector unit consists of 5.4 mm times; 5.4 mm times 150 mm BGO scintillator rods stacked into an 8times8 array and two multi-anode photomultiplier tubes mounted at the both ends, which can measure three-dimensional position and intensity of scintillations produced through Compton multiple scattering inside the detector and follow the track of scattered gamma-rays backward according to Compton scattering kinematics to estimate the location of a specific energy gamma-ray source without any mechanical collimation. We have designed and constructed the prototype system of 6 detector units with multi-functional ASIC for multichannel signal read-out. The outline and applicability of this system is presented with some preliminary performance tests by using quasi-monochromatic 10.8 MeV gamma-ray beams produced through laser-Compton scattering with the electron storage ring