Specifications for germanium radiation detectors used for gamma-ray assay in safeguards applications
Nondestructive assay by gamma-ray spectroscopy is one of the preferred methods of nuclear material inventory. Germanium diodes are currently some of the most useful detectors available to carry out this work. This usefulness is due to the high resolution and relative efficiency of the devices. We investigated the current state of affairs of both high-purity and lithium-drifted germanium diode technology. In this report, we discuss the physics and engineering of detector fabrication and operation and the basic principles of assay by gamma-ray spectroscopy. Finally, we discuss the trade-offs for detectors used in several general assay categories, and we examine the electronics and systems used to process the detector outputs. Since we found no ideal system for all situations, we have listed the various specifications parameters, explained their meanings, and discussed their relevant trade-offs.
- Research Organization:
- California Univ., Livermore (USA). Lawrence Livermore Lab.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6362064
- Report Number(s):
- NUREG/CR-0562; UCRL-52639; TRN: 79-017362
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
GAMMA SPECTROSCOPY
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
REVIEWS
LI-DRIFTED GE DETECTORS
NUCLEAR MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
FABRICATION
INVENTORIES
OPERATION
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DOCUMENT TYPES
LI-DRIFTED DETECTORS
MANAGEMENT
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
RADIATION DETECTORS
SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
SPECTROSCOPY
055001* - Nuclear Fuels- Safeguards
Inspection
& Accountability- Technical Aspects
440100 - Radiation Instrumentation