[salawat]

...Dare I ask what in Sam Hill a high energy neutron source was required for in terms of working with oil rigs and such?

Wasn't aware of any applicability in that space, but freely admit I've not spent many cycles on contemplating the issue. Like I guess being a fundamental part of some diagnostic or sensor gear maybe... but neutrons sources? Gamma I might could understand. Neutrons're just good for making shit hard to dispose of I thought.

The cable would legit give me nightmares though.

If you're not at liberty to say, that's fine, but man. I gotcha.

[cozzyd]

It is common to use DD neutron generators in oil exploration. You measure the backscattered neutrons to measure density, or something (I used a DD neutron generators manufactured by Schlumberger to characterize particle detectors in grad school... And I also know that they are used to measure density on glacial firn... Not sure exactly what they're used for in oil wells though).

[reaperman]

Shoot neutrons into rock. Some of them are absorbed by fluids and re-emitted as gamma rays. Measure gamma return to determine fluid content.

[salawat]

TIL. We find oil by irradiating it. Neat.