Using low resolution gamma detectors to detect and differentiate Pu and U fissions

When Pu and U undergo thermal neutron-induced fission, both produce significant numbers of beta-delayed gamma rays with energies in the several megaelectron volt range. Experiments using high energy-resolution germanium detectors have shown that it is possible to distinguish the fission of Pu from t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 282; no. 3; pp. 901 - 904
Main Authors Swanberg, E, Norman, E B, Shugart, H, Prussin, S G, Browne, E
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published 01.12.2009
Subjects
Detectors
Gamma rays
Liquids
Nuclear chemistry
Nuclear fission
Plutonium
Spectra
Uranium
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Summary:When Pu and U undergo thermal neutron-induced fission, both produce significant numbers of beta-delayed gamma rays with energies in the several megaelectron volt range. Experiments using high energy-resolution germanium detectors have shown that it is possible to distinguish the fission of Pu from that of U. It is desirable to detect the presence of U or Pu using detectors that are less expensive and more rugged than high purity germanium detectors. To this end we demonstrate how differences in the energy spectrum and decay rates of the beta-delayed gamma rays can be used to identify Pu and U using low resolution plastic and liquid scintillator detectors. Experimental data are used to identify differences in the spectra and also to test the identification algorithms. Results to date are very promising.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
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ISSN:0236-5731
1588-2780
DOI:10.1007/s10967-009-0283-4