Concepts for Alpha Coincidence Detection

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 2015 · Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 303(3):2113-2125

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-3780-z· OSTI ID:1184292

Warren, Glen A.; Dion, Michael P.; Miller, Brian W.; Tatishvili, Gocha

The effectiveness of conventional measurement techniques for environmental monitoring is limited by background and other interferences. We are exploring a new measurement approach involving the detection of α particles in coincidence with conversion electrons as a means to simultaneously assay environmental samples for actinides without chemical separation. The initial target isotopes studied in this work are 238Pu, 239Pu, 240Pu and 241Am. We explore various aspects of the design, such as impact of the mounting of the source material, resolution requirements and impact of a background on isotopic uncertainties. We conclude that a dual gas proportional counter and a dual-sided, large-area silicon detector could provide similar performance for the measurement scenario examined.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1184292
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-98565
• Journal Information: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 303(3):2113-2125, Journal Name: Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 303(3):2113-2125
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English