Evaluation of a semiconductor-based atmospheric radioxenon detection system

Czyz, Steven A.; Farsoni, Abi T.; Gadey, Harish R.

doi:10.1016/j.nima.2019.162614

Evaluation of a semiconductor-based atmospheric radioxenon detection system

Journal Article · Tue Aug 27 00:00:00 EDT 2019 · Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2019.162614· OSTI ID:1798657

Czyz, Steven A. ^[1]; Farsoni, Abi T. ^[2]; Gadey, Harish R. ^[2]

Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR (United States); University of Michigan
Oregon State Univ., Corvallis, OR (United States)

A prototype radioxenon detection system for beta–gamma coincidence measurements has been designed using a PIPSBox and a pair of coplanar CdZnTe (CZT) detectors. Coincidence events are identified in real-time using a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The measurement of ^131mXe and studies on electron backscatter and memory effect in the PIPSBox have been presented previously; this paper details the measurement of ^133/133mXe, ¹³⁵Xe, and background. Here, absolute efficiencies were determined, regions of interest were defined, and Minimum Detectable Concentrations (MDC) for all four radioxenon isotopes were calculated. When neglecting interferences between the radioxenons, the prototype system has an estimated MDC of 0.61 ± 0.15 mBq/m³ for ¹³³Xe when using gas processing parameters associated with Xenon International, satisfying the CTBTO requirement for sensitivity of ≤1 mBq/m³ for ¹³³Xe. Simulation suggests that by increasing number of CZT detectors used by a factor of 16, the MDCs of the system can be improved by a factor of 2-3. The design shows great promise for future improvement and expansion due to its exceptional energy resolution, high background rejection rate, room temperature operation, minimal memory effect, and simple readout electronics.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: NA0002534

OSTI ID:: 1798657

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1564280

Journal Information:: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment, Journal Name: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A, Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment Vol. 945; ISSN 0168-9002

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Beta-Gamma Coincidence
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Evaluation of a semiconductor-based atmospheric radioxenon detection system

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