Low-energy beta spectroscopy using pin diodes to monitor tritium surface contamination

Technical Report · Wed Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10169800· OSTI ID:10169800

Wampler, W R; Doyle, B L

We show that tritium betas emitted from a surface can be counted using a pin photodiode as a solid state charged particle detector. Furthermore, we show that the range of tritium betas through air is sufficient to allow measurement of tritium on samples in air by this method. These two findings make possible a new method to survey tritium surface contamination which has advantages over existing methods. We have built and tested several prototype instruments which use this method to measure tritium surface contamination, including a compact portable unit. The design of these instruments and results from tests and calibrations are described. Potential applications of this new method to monitor tritium are discussed.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 10169800
• Report Number(s): SAND-94-0939; ON: DE94015777; BR: GB0103012; TRN: 94:015461
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: Jun 1994
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY
TRITIUM
BETA SPECTROSCOPY
RADIATION MONITORS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RADIATION MONITORING
SURFACE CONTAMINATION
SCINTILLATOR-PHOTODIODE DETECTORS
NICKEL 63
440102
560180
RADIATION DOSEMETERS
RADIATION PROTECTION PROCEDURES