Gamma-ray spectrometry is one of the most effective ways to determine the activity of 239 Pu, depending on activity levels. However, often high backgrounds in complex spectra with low amounts of 239 Pu can increase detection limits. The effectiveness of the use of gamma-gamma spectrometry in the characterization of 239 Pu is studied for the first time. Using the XIA Pixie-16 digital pulse processor, gamma-gamma coincidences were measured to study the unshielded background radiation as a function of the source to detector distance, and gating of several gamma-rays from 239 Pu. The Poisson distribution of the acquired pulses has been also verified. In addition, measurements demonstrated that the background radiation is strongly reduced, meaning gamma-gamma spectroscopy can be very effective to avoid the usual lead shielding. Other measurements were taken to assure Poisson statistics were attained in the digital system. Preliminary measurements revealed 3 orders of magnitude background reduction for the measurement of 239 Pu using gated gamma-rays.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.