The 2002 IAEA intercomparison of software for low-level γ-ray spectrometry

Arnold, D.; Blaauw, M.; Fazinić, Stjepko; Kolotov, V. P.

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2004.10.012

Cited by 17 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…The 4130 sample had a zero time of 119.155 2012 GMT, and the counting schedule is shown in Table 10. In a gamma-ray analysis software intercomparison by the IAEA [48], Genie 2000 was observed to produce good results for peak areas and uncertainties and thus justifies its use in this research.…”

Section: Counting Procedures and Spectrum Analysismentioning

confidence: 74%

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

Horne

Jackman

2013

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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...

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Section: Counting Procedures and Spectrum Analysismentioning

confidence: 74%

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

Horne

Jackman

2013

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“…The IAEA 2002 test spectra were prepared for low-level γ-ray spectrometry and one of the tests focused on the analysis of spectra with small area peaks due to low activity level and/or limited counting time. Other issues which were noted to be specifically relevant in the test spectra were self-attenuation in the voluminous source, coincidence summing, determination of detection efficiency at low gamma-ray energies below 100 keV, background subtraction and nuclide identification [1]. Three kinds of spectra -background spectra, calibration spectra and test spectra -were used in this study.…”

Section: Performance Testmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Three kinds of spectra -background spectra, calibration spectra and test spectra -were used in this study. A detailed description of the test spectra, the test procedure and the results of the tests are found in the references [1,7], while a brief summary is given in this paper to provide an overview of the present performance test. A list of the test spectra is shown in Table 1.…”

Section: Performance Testmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A list of the test spectra is shown in Table 1. Two HPGe detectors were employed in the IAEA test spectra: one of 33% relative efficiency, denoted "SMALL", and the other of 96.3% relative efficiency, denoted "BIG" in Table 1 [1] were used for HyperGam in this study. Admittedly the present test could not be performed under the same conditions as those in ref.…”

Section: Performance Testmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Admittedly the present test could not be performed under the same conditions as those in ref. [1], for example, the testing time, place and personnel. The peak search parameters of HyperGam were set to the default values for all of the test spectra in this study.…”

Section: Performance Testmentioning

confidence: 99%

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