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SU-F-T-577: Comparison of Small Field Dosimetry Measurements in Fields Shaped with Conical Applicators On Two Different Accelerating Systems

Purpose: To investigate small field dosimetry measurements and associated uncertainties when conical applicators are used to shape treatment fields from two different accelerating systems. Methods: Output factor measurements are made in water in beams from the CyberKnife radiosurgery system, which uses conical applicators to shape fields from a (flattening filter-free) 6 MV beam, and in a 6 MV beam from the Elekta Precise linear accelerator (with flattening filter) with BrainLab external conical applicators fitted to shape the field. The measurements use various detectors: (i) an Exradin A16 ion chamber, (ii) two Exradin W1 plastic scintillation detectors, (iii) a Sun Nuclear Edge diode, and (iv) two PTW microDiamond synthetic diamond detectors. Profiles are used for accurate detector positioning and to specify field size (FWHM). Output factor measurements are corrected with detector specific correction factors taken from the literature where available and/or from Monte Carlo simulations using the EGSnrc code system. Results: Differences in measurements of up to 1.7% are observed with a given detector type in the same beam (i.e., intra-detector variability). Corrected results from different detectors in the same beam (inter-detector differences) show deviations up to 3 %. Combining data for all detectors and comparing results from the two accelerators results in a 5.9% maximum difference for the smallest field sizes (FWHM=5.2–5.6 mm), well outside the combined uncertainties (∼1% for the smallest beams) and/or differences among detectors. This suggests that the FWHM of a measured profile is not a good specifier to compare results from different small fields with the same nominal energy. Conclusion: Large differences in results for both intra-detector variability and inter-detector differences suggest potentially high uncertainties in detector-specific correction factors. Differences between the results measured in circular fields from different accelerating systems provide insight into sources of variability in small field dosimetric measurements reported in the literature.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗

Quantitative Monte Carlo-based holmium-166 SPECT reconstruction

Purpose: Quantitative imaging of the radionuclide distribution is of increasing interest for microsphere radioembolization (RE) of liver malignancies, to aid treatment planning and dosimetry. For this purpose, holmium-166 ({sup 166}Ho) microspheres have been developed, which can be visualized with a gamma camera. The objective of this work is to develop and evaluate a new reconstruction method for quantitative {sup 166}Ho SPECT, including Monte Carlo-based modeling of photon contributions from the full energy spectrum.Methods: A fast Monte Carlo (MC) simulator was developed for simulation of {sup 166}Ho projection images and incorporated in a statistical reconstruction algorithm (SPECT-fMC). Photon scatter and attenuation for all photons sampled from the full {sup 166}Ho energy spectrum were modeled during reconstruction by Monte Carlo simulations. The energy- and distance-dependent collimator-detector response was modeled using precalculated convolution kernels. Phantom experiments were performed to quantitatively evaluate image contrast, image noise, count errors, and activity recovery coefficients (ARCs) of SPECT-fMC in comparison with those of an energy window-based method for correction of down-scattered high-energy photons (SPECT-DSW) and a previously presented hybrid method that combines MC simulation of photopeak scatter with energy window-based estimation of down-scattered high-energy contributions (SPECT-ppMC+DSW). Additionally, the impact of SPECT-fMC on whole-body recovered activities (A{sup est}) and estimated radiation absorbed doses was evaluated using clinical SPECT data of six {sup 166}Ho RE patients.Results: At the same noise level, SPECT-fMC images showed substantially higher contrast than SPECT-DSW and SPECT-ppMC+DSW in spheres ≥17 mm in diameter. The count error was reduced from 29% (SPECT-DSW) and 25% (SPECT-ppMC+DSW) to 12% (SPECT-fMC). ARCs in five spherical volumes of 1.96–106.21 ml were improved from 32%–63% (SPECT-DSW) and 50%–80% (SPECT-ppMC+DSW) to 76%–103% (SPECT-fMC). Furthermore, SPECT-fMC recovered whole-body activities were most accurate (A{sup est}= 1.06 × A − 5.90 MBq, R{sup 2}= 0.97) and SPECT-fMC tumor absorbed doses were significantly higher than with SPECT-DSW (p = 0.031) and SPECT-ppMC+DSW (p = 0.031).Conclusions: The quantitative accuracy of {sup 166}Ho SPECT is improved by Monte Carlo-based modeling of the image degrading factors. Consequently, the proposed reconstruction method enables accurate estimation of the radiation absorbed dose in clinical practice.

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY↗

Feasibility of an Active Interrogation System to Classify Waste with He-4 Neutron Spectroscopy

This work investigates a 4 He-detector active interrogation system that leverages neutron spectroscopy to classify nuclear waste streams. MCNP models tested the concept through the simulation of a D-D neutron generator, an array of 4 He detectors, and various waste compositions. The fast-neutron Differential Die-Away signature was augmented with a neutron-energy discrimination signature. This signature isolates induced fission neutrons, the energy of which is greater than that of the D-D monoenergetic spectrum. With the incorporation of this spectroscopic technique, the measurement time decreased by 3–9% (depending on the degree of neutron moderation and absorption presented by the sample), demonstrating how neutron spectroscopy can enhance active interrogation methods. The reduced measurement times would have significant financial and logistical benefits for facilities with large footprints of low-level waste production.

4He detectors↗

Cosmic Muon Veto for the mini-ICAL detector at IICHEP, Madurai

A 51-kiloton magnetised Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector, using Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) as active detector elements, aims to study atmospheric neutrinos. A prototype - 1/600 of the weight of ICAL, called mini-ICAL was installed in the INO transit campus at Madurai. A modest proof-of-principle cosmic muon veto detector of about 1 m × 1 m × 0.3 m dimensions was setup a few years ago, using scintillator paddles. The measured cosmic muon veto efficiency of 99.98% and simulation studies of muon-induced background events in the ICAL detector surrounded by an efficient veto detector were promising. This led to the idea of constructing a bigger cosmic muon veto around the mini-ICAL detector. Details of the design and construction of the detector including the electronics, trigger and DAQ systems planned will be briefly presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Characterization and Monte Carlo Simulations of a 4-Liter NaI Detection System for Use During Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies and for the Detection of Nuclear Materials

SCKCEN is engaged in research related to the use of a large volume NaI detection system for use during nuclear and radiological emergencies and for the detection of nuclear materials. As part of this effort a research activity is being carried out to determine the characteristics and build a Monte Carlo model of the available 4-liter NaI detector. These activities consist of (i) determination of energy resolution efficiency lower threshold background in laboratory conditions using well-characterized point sources; (ii) modeling of the detector by Monte Carlo methods and validation; (iii) determination of the response function by combining measurement and simulation results; (iv) characterization of the detector for contaminated surfaces by measurements and modeling; and (v) calibration of detector for dose rate measurements. This paper will focus on the results obtained so far concerning the Monte Carlo model and its validation with experimental data.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Applications of TIERRAS for underground particle cascade simulations

In this communication we present some example applications of TIERRAS, a software package for the simulation of High Energy particle cascades underground and underwater. The examples illustrate how this package can be used to study the phenomenology of particle cascades from Extended Air Showers propagated several meters underground, including the effect of the surface ''albedo'' particles that are generated when a cascade reaches ground level. These up-going particles can have a measurable effect on surface or shallow underground detectors. Finally, to show the package ability ro perform simulations of particle cascades in ice, an application for neutrino radio detection is briefly introduced.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Measurements of Irradiated Low Enriched Fuel with a Gamma-Ray Scanning System (ANIMMA 2023 Conference Presentation)

A gamma-ray scanning system was designed to perform post-irradiation measurements of nuclear fuel at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The system is composed of a coaxial high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector, a collimator, and mechanical positioning stages that translate the fuel sample across the front of the collimator. A Monte Carlo N-Particle code simulation of the system and the fuel were created with vendor-supplied design specifications, dimensional measurements, and x-ray radiographs of the HPGe detector as well as all available fuel specifications. Benchmark measurements were performed by scanning an irradiated fuel rodlet containing eight pellets of 0.74% enriched UO2 in zirconium alloy. This fuel rodlet was part of the Environment Rodlet Transient Test Apparatus (SERTTA) testing campaign in the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT). These results were compared to simulated spectra to help characterize the detector model and establish fidelity. One goal of the system is to determine the number of fissions per gram of UO2 in the fuel. This article documents the modeling, benchmarking measurements, and the calculated number of fissions per gram in the SERTTA-A rodlet which was previously irradiated at TREAT.

11 - NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Irradiated Low-Enriched Uranium Fuel Measurements with a Gamma-Ray Scanning System

A gamma-ray scanning system was designed to perform post-irradiation measurements of nuclear fuel at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The system is composed of a coaxial high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector, a collimator, and mechanical positioning stages that translate the fuel sample across the front of the collimator. A Monte Carlo N-Particle code simulation of the system and the fuel were created with vendor-supplied design specifications, dimensional measurements, and x-ray radiographs of the HPGe detector as well as all available fuel specifications. Benchmark measurements were performed by scanning an irradiated fuel rodlet containing eight pellets of 0.74% enriched UO2 in zirconium alloy. This fuel rodlet was part of the Static Environment Rodlet Transient Test Apparatus (SERTTA) testing campaign in the Transient Reactor Test Facility (TREAT). These results were compared to simulated spectra to help characterize the detector model and establish fidelity. A goal of the system is to determine the number of fissions per gram of UO2 in the fuel. This paper documents the modeling of the system and the calculation of the number of fissions per gram along the axial length of the SERTTA-C rodlet.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Scintillation light in SBND: simulation, reconstruction, and expected performance of the photon detection system

SBND is the near detector of the Short-Baseline Neutrino program at Fermilab. Its location near to the Booster Neutrino Beam source and relatively large mass will allow the study of neutrino interactions on argon with unprecedented statistics. This paper describes the expected performance of the SBND photon detection system, using a simulated sample of beam neutrinos and cosmogenic particles. Its design is a dual readout concept combining a system of 120 photomultiplier tubes, used for triggering, with a system of 192 X-ARAPUCA devices, located behind the anode wire planes. Furthermore, covering the cathode plane with highly-reflective panels coated with a wavelength-shifting compound recovers part of the light emitted towards the cathode, where no optical detectors exist. We show how this new design provides a high light yield and a more uniform detection efficiency, an excellent timing resolution and an independent 3D-position reconstruction using only the scintillation light. Finally, the whole reconstruction chain is applied to recover the temporal structure of the beam spill, which is resolved with a resolution on the order of nanoseconds.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Use of the UNCLE Facility to Assess Integrated Online Monitoring Systems for Detection of Diversions at Uranium Conversion Facilities

Historically, the approach to safeguarding nuclear material in the front end of the fuel cycle was implemented only at the stage when UF6 was declared as feedstock for enrichment plants. Recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) circulars and policy papers have sought to implement safeguards when any purified aqueous uranium solution or uranium oxides suitable for isotopic enrichment or fuel fabrication exist. Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed the Uranyl Nitrate Calibration Loop Equipment (UNCLE) facility to simulate the full-scale operating conditions for a purified uranium-bearing aqueous stream exiting the solvent extraction process conducted in a natural uranium conversion plant (NUCP) operating at 6000 MTU/year. Monitoring instruments, including the 3He passive neutron detector developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Endress+Hauser Promass 83F Coriolis meter, have been tested at UNCLE and field tested at Springfields. The field trials demonstrated the need to perform full-scale equipment testing under controlled conditions prior to field deployment of operations and safeguards monitoring at additional plants. Currently, UNCLE is testing neutron-based monitoring for detection of noncompliant activities; however, gamma-ray source term monitoring is currently being explored complementary to the neutron detector in order to detect undeclared activities in a more timely manner. The preliminary results of gamma-ray source term modeling and monitoring at UNCLE are being analyzed as part of a comprehensive source term and detector benchmarking effort. Based on neutron source term detection capabilities, alternative gamma-based detection and monitoring methods will be proposed to more effectively monitor NUCP operations in verifying or detecting deviations from declared conversion activities.

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Predicting deviations in ex-core detector response in Krsko NPP during an earthquake with Monte-Carlo neutron transport methods

To study the response of ex-core detectors during an earthquake, an approach using Monte Carlo code MCNP was developed. As a first step to predict the response of the ex-core detectors a detailed MCNP model of the Krsko reactor core was created. A detailed MCNP core model was used to calculate 3D power distributions inside the core. Calculated power distributions were verified by comparison to the CORD-2 calculations, which is currently used for core design calculation verification of the Krsko nuclear power plant. Due to the outside the core position of the neutron detectors, the hybrid code ADVANTG is used to generate weight windows to speed up neutron transport outside the reactor core. To be able to use ADVANTG, fixed neutron source had to be reconstructed from the criticality core calculation. It was found that the power range ex-core detector movement has a negligible effect on the value of the thermal neutron flux at the active part of the detector. However, the 5 cm radial movement of the intermediate-range detector leads to 7 % - 8 % change in thermal neutron flux within the active intermediate-range detector region. The analysis continued with the evaluation of the effect of core barrel movement on the ex-core detector response. It was determined that the 2 mm core barrel radial oscillation can lead to ∼ 4% change in thermal neutron flux within the active detector region. It was evaluated that reactor core movement inside the baffle can lead up to ∼ 1.9% and ∼ 1.3% deviation in power-range and intermediate-range detector signal respectively. Analysis showed that the mechanical movement of ex-core neutron detectors could not explain the fluctuations in the ex-core detector signal. However, combined core barrel and reactor core inside baffle oscillations could be a probable reason for the observed fluctuations in the ex-core detector signal during an earthquake. (authors)

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗

Design and construction of Cosmic Muon Veto for the mini-ICAL detector at IICHEP, Madurai

A 51-kiloton magnetised Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) detector, using Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) as active detector elements, aims to study atmospheric neutrinos. A prototype - 1/600 of the weight of ICAL, called mini-ICAL was installed in the INO transit campus at Madurai. A modest proof-of-principle cosmic muon veto detector of about 1 m×1 m×0.3 m dimensions was set up a few years ago, using scintillator paddles. The measured cosmic muon veto efficiency of 99.98% and simulation studies of muon-induced background events in the ICAL detector surrounded by an efficient veto detector were promising. This led to the idea of constructing a bigger cosmic muon veto around the mini-ICAL detector. Details of the design, fabrication, quality control, and construction of the detector including the electronics, trigger, and DAQ systems planned will be briefly presented.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

IceCube at the frontier of macroscopic dark matter direct detection

For a class of macroscopic dark matter models, inelastic scattering of dark matter off a nucleus can generate electromagnetic signatures with GeV-scale energy. The IceCube detector, with its kilometer-scale size, is ideal for directly detecting such inelastic scattering. Based on the slow particle trigger for the DeepCore detector, we perform a detailed signal and background simulation to estimate the discovery potential. For order 1 GeV deposited energy in each interaction, we find that IceCube can probe the dark matter masses up to one gram.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Diffuse back-illumination temperature imaging (DBI-TI), a novel soot thermometry technique

To meet stringent emissions regulations on soot emissions, it is critical to further advance the fundamental understanding of in-cylinder soot formation and oxidation processes. Among several optical techniques for soot quantification, diffuse back-illumination extinction imaging (DBI-EI) has recently gained traction mainly due to its ability to compensate for beam steering, which if not addressed, can cause unacceptably high measurement uncertainty. Until now, DBI-EI has only been used to measure the amount of soot along the line of sight, and here, we extend the capabilities of a DBI-EI setup to also measure in-cylinder soot temperature. This proof of concept of diffuse back-illumination temperature imaging (DBI-TI) as a soot thermometry technique is presented by implementing DBI-TI in a single cylinder, heavy-duty, optical diesel engine to provide 2-D line-of-sight integrated soot temperature maps. The potential of DBI-TI to be an accurate thermometry technique for use in optical engines is analyzed. The achievable accuracy is due in part to simultaneous measurement of the soot extinction, which circumvents the uncertainty in dispersion coefficients that depend on the optical properties of soot and the wavelength of light utilized. Analysis shows that DBI-TI provides temperature estimates that are closer to the mass-averaged soot temperature when compared to other thermometry techniques that are more sensitive to soot temperature closer to the detector. Furthermore, uncertainty analysis and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations provide estimates of the temperature measurement errors associated with this technique. The MC simulations reveal that for the light intensities and optical densities encountered in these experiments, the accuracy of the DBI-TI technique is comparable or even better than other established optical thermometry techniques. Thus, DBI-TI promises to be an easily implementable extension to the existing DBI-EI technique, thereby extending its ability to provide comprehensive line-of-sight integrated information on soot.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

LeptonInjector and LeptonWeighter: A neutrino event generator and weighter for neutrino observatories

In this work, we present a high-energy neutrino event generator, called LeptonInjector, alongside an event weighter, called LeptonWeighter. Both are designed for large-volume Cherenkov neutrino telescopes such as IceCube. The neutrino event generator allows for quick and flexible simulation of neutrino events within and around the detector volume, and implements the leading Standard Model neutrino interaction processes relevant for neutrino observatories: neutrino-nucleon deep-inelastic scattering and neutrino-electron annihilation. In this paper, we discuss the event generation algorithm, the weighting algorithm, and the main functions of the publicly available code, with examples. Program summary: Program Titles: LeptonInjector and LeptonWeighter CPC Library link to program files: https://doi.org/10.17632/662gkpjfd9.1 Developer's repository links: https://github.com/icecube/LeptonInjector and https://github.com/icecube/LeptonWeighter Licensing provisions: GNU Lesser General Public License, version 3. Programming Language: C++11 External Routines: • Boost • HDF5 • nuflux (https://github.com/icecube/nuflux) • nuSQuIDS (https://github.com/arguelles/nuSQuIDS) • Photospline (https://github.com/icecube/photospline) • SuiteSparse (https://github.com/DrTimothyAldenDavis/SuiteSparse) Nature of problem: LeptonInjector: Generate neutrino interaction events of all possible topologies and energies throughout and around a detector volume. LeptonWeighter: Reweight Monte Carlo events, generated by a set of LeptonInjector Generators, to any desired physical neutrino flux or cross section. Solution method: LeptonInjector: Projected ranges of generated leptons and the extent of the detector, in terms of column depth, are used to inject events in and around the detector volume. Event kinematics follow distributions provided in cross section files. LeptonWeighter: Event generation probabilities are calculated for each Generator, which are then combined into a generation weight and used to calculate an overall event weight.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Wanted! Nuclear Data for Dark Matter Astrophysics

Astronomical observations from small galaxies to the largest scales in the universe can be consistently explained by the simple idea of dark matter. The nature of dark matter is however still unknown. Empirically it cannot be any of the known particles, and many theories postulate it as a new elementary particle. Searches for dark matter particles are under way: production at high-energy accelerators, direct detection through dark matter-nucleus scattering, indirect detection through cosmic rays, gamma rays, or effects on stars. Particle dark matter searches rely on observing an excess of events above background, and a lot of controversies have arisen over the origin of observed excesses. With the new high-quality cosmic ray measurements from the AMS-02 experiment, the major uncertainty in modeling cosmic ray fluxes is in the nuclear physics cross sections for spallation and fragmentation of cosmic rays off interstellar hydrogen and helium. The understanding of direct detection backgrounds is limited by poor knowledge of cosmic ray activation in detector materials, with order of magnitude differences between simulation codes. A scarcity of data on nucleon spin densities blurs the connection between dark matter theory and experiments. What is needed, ideally, are more and better measurements of spallation cross sections relevant to cosmic rays and cosmogenic activation, and data on the nucleon spin densities in nuclei.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

X-ray escape peaks in gamma-ray spectrum acquired by perovskite detector

The X-ray escape peaks are clearly visible in the high-resolution gamma spectra acquired by CsPbBr 3 , credit to the rapidly improving energy resolution of perovskite gamma detectors. But it also raises concerns. If this peak remains as significant as it is, perovskite gamma detectors would have very limited use in complex gamma spectrometry applications. This paper discusses the origin of the escape peaks in CsPbBr 3 detectors, benchmarked against Ge and CZT detectors. The Pb escape peak consists of four escape peaks that are merged together, while the Cs and Br escape peaks are hidden inside the photopeak of 137 Cs (662 keV). These combined effects either create a noticeable gamma peak observed to the left of the 662 keV photopeak when acquired using a high-resolution CsPbBr 3 detector or raise the left slope of the photopeak. We also explore potential methods to mitigate these peaks, such as applying anti-coincidence method. The height of the escape peaks diminishes as the detector volume increases but will not go away entirely. The relationship between the observed Pb escape peak and the detector's dimensions is demonstrated through Monte Carlo simulation.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

Flux and estimated spectra from a low-intensity laser-driven X-ray source

Laser-driven X-rays as probes for high-energy-density physics spans an extremely large parameter space with laser intensities varying by 8 orders of magnitude. We have built and characterized a soft X-ray source driven by a modest intensity laser of 4 × 10 13 W/cm 2 . Emitted X-rays were measured by diamond radiation detectors and a filtered soft X-ray camera. A material-dependence study on Al, Ti, stainless steel alloy 304, Fe, Cu and Sn targets indicated 5-μm-thick Cu foils produced the highest X-ray yield. X-ray emission in the laser direction and emission in the reverse direction depend strongly on the foil material and the thickness due to the opacity and hydrodynamic disassembly time. The time-varying X-ray signals are used to measure the material thinning rate and is found to be ~1.5 μm/ns for the materials tested implying thermal temperature around 0.6 eV. The X-ray spectra from Cu targets peaks at ~2 keV with no emission >4 keV and was estimated using images with eight different foil filters. One-dimensional hydrodynamic and spectral calculations using HELIOS-CR provide qualitative agreement with experimental results. Modest intensity lasers can be an excellent source for nanosecond bursts of soft X-rays.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗