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Development of a multidimensional gamma-spectrometer

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Abstract

A high-sensitivity multidimensional gamma-spectrometer is being developed within the shallow underground laboratory at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL, USA). The system consists of two broad energy germanium detectors, inside a low-background shield, fitted with a cosmic veto system. The detector has advanced functionality, including operation in single or combined detector mode, with reductions in the cosmic background of 49.6% and Compton suppression of 6.5%. For selected radionuclides this provides increased peak identification, reductions in uncertainty of 27.6% and MDA improvements of 52.7%. The design uses commercially off-the-shelf components to provide a powerful solution for low-level nuclear measurements.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank individuals at PNNL who have provided support at various times. This includes Allan Myers, Kimbrelle Thommasson, Brian Glasgow, Angela Edwards, Joel Forrester, Cory Overman, Todd Hossbach and Marty Keillor. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the United States Government, the United States Department of Energy, or the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Battelle under Contract DE-AC05-76RL01830.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, PO Box 999, Richland, WA, USA

    J. L. Burnett, M. G. Cantaloub, M. F. Mayer & H. S. Miley

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  1. J. L. Burnett
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  2. M. G. Cantaloub
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  3. M. F. Mayer
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  4. H. S. Miley
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Correspondence to J. L. Burnett.

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Burnett, J.L., Cantaloub, M.G., Mayer, M.F. et al. Development of a multidimensional gamma-spectrometer. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 312, 81–86 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5202-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5202-5

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