A shallow underground laboratory for low-background radiation measurements and materials development

Journal Article · Thu Nov 15 00:00:00 EST 2012 · Review of Scientific Instruments

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4761923· OSTI ID:22093980

Aalseth, C. E.; Bonicalzi, R. M.; Cantaloub, M. G.; Day, A. R.; Erikson, L. E.; Fast, J.; Forrester, J. B.; Fuller, E. S.; Glasgow, B. D.; Greenwood, L. R.; Hoppe, E. W.; Hossbach, T. W.; Hyronimus, B. J.; Keillor, M. E.; Mace, E. K.; McIntyre, J. I.; Merriman, J. H.; Myers, A. W.; Overman, C. T.; Overman, N. R. ^[1] ; others, and

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1. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, P.O. Box 999, Richland, Washington 99352 (United States)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recently commissioned a new shallow underground laboratory, located at a depth of approximately 30 meters-water-equivalent. This new addition to the small class of radiation measurement laboratories located at modest underground depths houses the latest generation of custom-made, high-efficiency, low-background gamma-ray spectrometers and gas proportional counters. This paper describes the unique capabilities present in the shallow underground laboratory; these include large-scale ultra-pure materials production and a suite of radiation detection systems. Reported data characterize the degree of background reduction achieved through a combination of underground location, graded shielding, and rejection of cosmic-ray events. We conclude by presenting measurement targets and future opportunities.

• OSTI ID: 22093980
• Journal Information: Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 83, Issue 11; Other Information: (c) 2012 American Institute of Physics; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
BACKGROUND RADIATION
COSMIC RADIATION
EFFICIENCY
EQUIPMENT
GAMMA SPECTROMETERS
PROPORTIONAL COUNTERS
RADIATION DETECTION
SHIELDING
UNDERGROUND