학술논문
High Sensitivity Detection of Xe Isotopes Via Beta-Gamma Coincidence Counting
Document Type
Conference
Author
Source
Conference: Proceedings of the 21st Seismic Research Symposium: Technologies for Monitoring Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, Las Vegas, NV, Sep. 21-24, 1999, 231-241
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
Measurement of xenon fission product isotopes is a key element in the global network being established to monitor the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has developed an automated system for separating Xe from air which includes a beta-gamma counting system for 131mXe, 133mXe, 133Xe, and 135Xe. Betas and conversion electrons are detected in a plastic scintillation cell containing the Xe sample. The counting geometry is nearly 100% for beta and conversion electrons. The resolution in the pulse height spectrum from the plastic scintillator is sufficient to observe distinct peaks for specific conversion electrons. Gamma and X-rays are detected in a NaI(Tl) scintillation detector which surrounds the plastic scintillator sample cell. Two-dimensional pulse height spectra of gamma energy versus beta energy are obtained. Each of the four xenon isotopes has a distinctive signature in the two-dimensional energy array. The details of the counting system, examples of two-dimensional beta-gamma data, and operational experience with this counting system will be described.