Capabilities and usage of the LBL low background counting facilities

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Bulletin of the American Physical Society

OSTI ID:387222

Smith, A R; McDonald, R J; Hurley, D L; Norman, E B ^[1]

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1. Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, CA (United States)

Many current experiments in nuclear and particle physics and numerous environmental characterization studies involve measurements of minute levels of radioactivity. These experiments require that radiation detectors be operated in the lowest possible background environment. A low background counting facility has been in operation since the early 1960`s at LBL. Recently, an even lower background facility was established under the Oroville dam. Gamma-ray counting is performed with large NaI or germanium detectors depending upon the particular application. Using a large (115% {open_quotes}efficiency{close_quotes}) n-type high-purity germanium detector at Oroville, we have established detection limits for kilogram-size samples of approximately 30 ppt (parts per trillion by weight) for the equilibrium U-series, 150 ppt for the equilibrium Th-series, and 50 ppb for potassium. Recent examples of projects which have used these facilities include the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory, a dark matter search, and measurements of radioactivities produced in the Long Duration Exposure Facility satellite. A description of these facilities and results obtained for some of these projects will be presented.

• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• OSTI ID: 387222
• Report Number(s): CONF-931044--
• Journal Information: Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Journal Name: Bulletin of the American Physical Society Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 38; ISSN BAPSA6; ISSN 0003-0503
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
ENERGY FACILITIES
GAMMA DETECTION
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
LAWRENCE BERKELEY LABORATORY