A gamma–gamma coincidence spectrometric method for rapid characterization of uranium isotopic fingerprints

Zhang, Weihua; Jing, Yi; Mekarski, Pawel; Ungar, Kurt; Hauck, Barry M.; Kramer, Gary H.

doi:10.1007/s10967-010-0868-y

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 5 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Digitizers have been used in conjunction with gamma-gamma coincidence in projects such as identifying cosmogenic 22 Na [21], characterizing uranium isotopic fingerprints [22], and testing instruments for gamma-gamma coincidence infield measurements [23]. In 2008, Tomlin,…”

Section: Chapter 3: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multispectral Gamma-Ray Analysis Using Clover Detectors with Application to Uranium Fission Product Analysis

Horne

Jackman

2013

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

DedicationI would like to dedicate this work to my dear wife, Juliann, who has loved me unconditionally and supportively listened to my break-throughs, even when I didn't make sense. Supervisors: Sheldon Landsberger and Kevin Jackman Abstract: A high-efficiency gamma-ray counting system has been built at Los Alamos National Laboratory for use in analyzing nuclear forensics samples. This system consists of two clover high-purity germanium detectors and is surrounded by a thallium-doped sodium iodide annulus. Special precautions have been taken to ensure the system has a low background. The system is connected to XIA Pixie-4 fast digitizers and collects data in list-mode. This work is split into two main parts. The first part describes the proper steps and techniques to initialize the settings of a detector system connected to fast digitizers in order to optimize the system for resolution and throughput. The various counting modes for this particular system are described in detail, including the benefits and drawbacks of each mode. Steps are then shown to characterize the system by obtaining efficiency curves for various counting modes and sample geometries. Because of the close counting geometry involved with this system, truecoincidence summing factors must be calculated, and are done so in part by measuring the peak-to-total ratios of the system in its various counting modes across a wide energy range. The dead-time for the system can be complicated due to the multiple inputs of the system.Techniques for calculating the dead-time of multiple-detector systems are discussed. The second part of this work shows the system's usefulness in analyzing nuclear forensics samples, specifically irradiated enriched uranium. Three fission product parent-daughter pairs of different lifetimes are analyzed over a course of six months. The activities of each nuclide are calculated at each time step. Age dating techniques using the parent-daughter pairs are discussed, as well as the detection limits of each nuclide for a range of sample ages. Finally, vii avenues for further research are presented, as well as potential sources of error or uncertainty for this work.viii List of Tables Part 1: IntroductionThe analysis of nuclear materials, whether fresh or spent, using gamma spectroscopy is a commonly used technique which aims to gather pertinent information regarding the material's isotopic composition. Useful properties such as age, fission product activities, uranium enrichment information, and actinide activities may be determined by gamma spectroscopy. By understanding these properties, scientists and researchers can provide vital information to policy-makers and government officials (DOE, DoD, DHS, etc…) to aid in the nuclear forensics attribution process should a nuclear event occur.Traditionally, gamma spectroscopy research is done by using analog systems with a single detector. More recently, Compton suppression systems involving a single solid-state detector and one or more high-efficiency scintillation detectors op...

show abstract

Section: Chapter 3: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multispectral Gamma-Ray Analysis Using Clover Detectors with Application to Uranium Fission Product Analysis

Horne

Jackman

2013

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Two groups applied the known but rarely used concept of gamma-ray induced X-ray emission. The method was employed by Zhang et al 21 for the isotopic analysis of uranium using coincidence measurements of the gamma ray and X-ray fluorescence signals. The coincidence measurements were performed with two NaI(Tl) scintillator counters.…”

Section: General Instrumentation and Excitation Sourcesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Atomic spectrometry update-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

West

Ellis

Potts

et al. 2011

J. Anal. At. Spectrom.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

“…Gammagamma coincidence techniques have been used for environmental monitoring of 22 Na with bismuth germanate scintillators (BGO) [9]. The Pixie-4 module has been used in conjunction with sodium iodide (NaI) detectors for the detection of enriched and depleted uranium [10]. In addition, the use of coincidence techniques has been demonstrated to be effective in deconvolution of overlapping peaks, particularly in 76 As, 160 Tb, and 169 Yb [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION FOR THE USE OF DIGITAL GAMMA-GAMMA COINCIDENCE SPECTROMETRY TO DETECT <sup>239</sup>Pu

Egozi¹,

Martínez²,

Luna³

et al. 2021

RAD Conference Proceedings

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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.

show abstract

A gamma–gamma coincidence spectrometric method for rapid characterization of uranium isotopic fingerprints

Cited by 6 publications

References 5 publications

Multispectral Gamma-Ray Analysis Using Clover Detectors with Application to Uranium Fission Product Analysis

Multispectral Gamma-Ray Analysis Using Clover Detectors with Application to Uranium Fission Product Analysis

Atomic spectrometry update-X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION FOR THE USE OF DIGITAL GAMMA-GAMMA COINCIDENCE SPECTROMETRY TO DETECT <sup>239</sup>Pu

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About