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Determining the ratio of /sup 239/Pu to /sup 241/Am in wounds by measuring the L gamma x-rays with a Si(Li) detector

Journal Article · · Health Phys.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6275536
A Si(Li) planar detector provides sufficient photopeak resolution to resolve the 20.16-keV U L gamma x rays resulting from /sup 239/Pu decay and the 20.78-keV Np L gamma x rays resulting from /sup 241/Am decay. The energies and, therefore, the absorption coefficients of the two x rays are very similar; thus, the ratio of the peaks for a source embedded in tissue remains approximately the same for the two x rays up to at least 6 mm. Measurements of /sup 239/Pu-to-/sup 241/Am ratios by this method in deep wounds agree with results obtained by radiochemical analysis of excised tissue.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, WA (USA)
OSTI ID:
6275536
Journal Information:
Health Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Health Phys.; (United States) Vol. 56:2; ISSN HLTPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English