The LB123P is a new portable neutron survey meter with extremely high sensitivity. The energy dependent response of the instrument was maximized for fission neutrons. There are several interesting applications among of them the search for plutonium.

• Search for illicit trafficking plutonium
• Search for plutonium contaminations
• Measurement of 240Pu equivalent mass 
• Nuclear waste inspection
• Measurement of 252Cf and other neutron sources

Monitoring of neutron radiation field intensities Plutonium is extremely dangerous and hard to detect over larger distances. The a-particles, g’s and X-rays which are emitted by plutonium isotopes could easily be shielded by the material itself or by surroundings. Beside of a few g-rays the only penetrating radiation emitted by plutonium samples are neutrons from spontaneous fission of the even numbered plutonium isotopes, especially from 240Pu. Thus a neutron detector which has maximum sensitivity for fission neutrons would provide an excellent tool for the detection of plutonium even through shieldings. The Plutonium Monitor LB123P successfully participated in the Illicit Trafficking Radiation Detection Assessment Program (ITRAP) performed by the Austrian Research Center in Seibersdorf from 1998-2000. The laboratory and field test clearly showed that the LB123P meets the IAEA minimum requirements for the use at border crossings. 

Table: Detection Limits for Plutonium at 1m distance  

Measuring Time Weapons Plutonium Reactor Plutonium 1 s 303 g 67 g 10 s 47 g 10 g 100 s 12 g 2.6 g