Calibration of a large hyperpure germanium detector array for actinide lung counting with a tissue-equivalent torso phantom

Technical Report · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:6608940

Berger, C D; Lane, B H

Calibration curves (chest wall thickness vs nCi/cpm) are developed for a large, hyperpure germanium detector array for measurement of lung burdens of /sup 238/Pu, /sup 239/Pu, and /sup 241/Am. Equations were derived using a 100% muscle-thorax model and models with varying concentrations of thoracic fat. Because of the superior energy resolution of the array, a means for estimating depth of deposition of these radionuclides was also developed. These results have been compiled and existing computer programs for data analysis have been adapted accordingly as part of the routine actinide lung counting program at ORNL. Although semiconductor detectors in general have been shown to be well-suited for in-vivo actinide detection, design limitations associated with this detector array were noted as part of this study. Modifications to overcome those limitations will play a large part in long-range plans for development of the ORNL Whole Body Counter Facility.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6608940
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-8723; ON: DE84016577
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

440101* -- Radiation Instrumentation-- General Detectors or Monitors & Radiometric Instruments
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ACTINIDES
BODY
CALIBRATION
COUNTING TECHNIQUES
EFFICIENCY
ELEMENTS
GE SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
HIGH-PURITY GE DETECTORS
LUNGS
MATERIALS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METALS
MOCKUP
ORGANS
PHANTOMS
RADIATION DETECTORS
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
SEMICONDUCTOR DETECTORS
STRUCTURAL MODELS
TISSUE-EQUIVALENT MATERIALS