Shielding concepts for low-background proportional counter arrays in surface laboratories
Not Available
Aalseth, C. E.↗
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39Ar/Ar measurements using ultra-low background proportional counters
Age dating groundwater and seawater using 39Ar/Ar ratios is an important tool to understand water mass flow rates and mean residence time. For modern or contemporary argon, the 39Ar activity is 1.8 mBq per liter of argon. Radiation measurements at these activity levels require ultra low-background detectors. Low-background proportional counters have been developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. These detectors use traditional mixtures of argon and methane as counting gas, and the residual 39Ar from commercial argon has become a predominant source of background activity in these detectors. We demonstrated sensitivity to 39Ar by using geological or ancient argon from gas wells in place of commercial argon. The low level counting performance of these proportional counters is then demonstrated for sensitivities to 39Ar/Ar ratios sufficient to date water masses as old as 1000 years.
39Ar/Ar measurements using ultra-low background pr↗
Calibration of an ultra-low-background proportional counter for measuring {sup 37}Ar
An ultra-low-background proportional counter design has been developed at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) using clean materials, primarily electro-chemically-purified copper. This detector, along with an ultra-low-background counting system (ULBCS), was developed to complement a new shallow underground laboratory (30 meters water-equivalent) at PNNL. The ULBCS design includes passive neutron and gamma shielding, along with an active cosmic-veto system. This system provides a capability for making ultra-sensitive measurements to support applications like age-dating soil hydrocarbons with {sup 14}C/{sup 3}H, age-dating of groundwater with {sup 39}Ar, and soil-gas assay for {sup 37}Ar to support On-Site Inspection (OSI). On-Site Inspection is a key component of the verification regime for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Measurements of radionuclides created by an underground nuclear explosion are valuable signatures of a Treaty violation. For OSI, the 35-day half-life of {sup 37}Ar, produced from neutron interactions with calcium in soil, provides both high specific activity and sufficient time for inspection before decay limits sensitivity. This work describes the calibration techniques and analysis methods developed to enable quantitative measurements of {sup 37}Ar samples over a broad range of proportional counter operating pressures. These efforts, along with parallel work in progress on gas chemistry separation, are expected to provide a significant new capability for {sup 37}Ar soil gas background studies.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Initial Characterization of Unequal-Length, Low-Background Proportional Counters for Absolute Gas-Counting Applications
Abstract. Characterization of two sets of custom unequal length proportional counters is underway at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). These detectors will be used in measurements to determine the absolute activity concentration of gaseous radionuclides (e.g., 37Ar). A set of three detectors has been fabricated based on previous PNNL ultra-low-background proportional counters (ULBPC) designs and now operate in PNNL’s shallow underground counting laboratory. A second set of four counters has also been fabricated using clean assembly of OFHC copper components for use in an above-ground counting laboratory. Characterization of both sets of detectors is underway with measurements of background rates, gas gain, energy resolution, and shielding considerations. These results will be presented along with uncertainty estimates of future absolute gas counting measurements.
Mace, Emily K.↗
Simulations of electron avalanches in an ultra-low-background proportional counter
Not Available
Robinson, John W.↗
Comparative Neutron Detection Efficiency in He-3 Proportional Counters and Liquid Scintillators
We present new results on the neutron detection efficiency of detection systems based on He-3 proportional counters compared to organic liquid scintillators. The experiments were conducted using a well-characterized Cf-252 neutron source, measured bare, and shielded with slabs of polyethylene. The results show that the intrinsic neutron detection efficiency for the bare source is approximately 25% for the He-3 system, and 67% for the liquid scintillator system. When polyethylene sheets were used to shield the source in 2.54 cm increments, the neutron detection efficiency of both systems decreased exponentially to approximately 10% for the case of 25.4 cm. Experimental results were simulated using MCNPX-PoliMi and good agreement was found between measurement and simulation results for all the cases considered here.
Organic scintillator, He-3, neutron detection, det↗
Lineal energy calibration of mini tissue-equivalent gas-proportional counters (TEPC)
Mini TEPCs are cylindrical gas proportional counters of 1 mm or less of sensitive volume diameter. The lineal energy calibration of these tiny counters can be performed with an external gamma-ray source. However, to do that, first a method to get a simple and precise spectral mark has to be found and then the keV/{mu}m value of this mark. A precise method (less than 1% of uncertainty) to identify this markis described here, and the lineal energy value of this mark has been measured for different simulated site sizes by using a {sup 137}Cs gamma source and a cylindrical TEPC equipped with a precision internal {sup 244}Cm alpha-particle source, and filled with propane-based tissue-equivalent gas mixture. Mini TEPCs can be calibrated in terms of lineal energy, by exposing them to {sup 137}Cesium sources, with an overall uncertainty of about 5%.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Searches for a sterile-neutrino admixture in detecting tritium decays in a proportional counter: New possibilities
An experiment aimed at searches for an admixture of a sterile neutrino whosemass is 1 to 8 keV via detecting electrons from tritium decay in a proportional counter is proposed. The admixture in question can be discovered by a specific distortion of the energy spectrum of these electrons. For the above masses, the distortion extends over the whole spectrum; therefore, use can bemade of detectors that have a relatively low energy resolution (about 10 to 15%). A classic proportional counter is a simple and natural choice of detector for the decays of a gaseous tritium. The approach that we propose is novel in two respects. On one hand, the proportional counter used is made as a discrete unit in the form of a fully fused quartz tube. This permits a readout of current signals directly from the anode filament and ensures a high stability in the case of long-term measurements. At the same time, the application of state-of-the-art digital data-acquisition methods will make it possible to perform measurements under conditions of high counting rates—up to 10{sup 6} Hz. As a result, the energy spectrum of electrons from tritium decays that is formed by 10{sup 12} counts could be accumulated within about a month. This data sample would make it possible to set an upper limit in the range of 10{sup −3}–10{sup −5} on a sterile-neutrino admixture at a confidence level of three standard deviations (3σ) for m{sub s} in the range of 1–8 keV, this being one to two orders of magnitude more stringent than present-day limits.
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
Boron-10 Lined Proportional Counter Model Validation
The decreasing supply of 3He is stimulating a search for alternative neutron detectors; one potential 3He replacement is 10B-lined proportional counters. Simulations are being performed to predict the performance of systems designed with 10B-lined tubes. Boron-10-lined tubes are challenging to model accurately because the neutron capture material is not the same as the signal generating material. Thus, to simulate the efficiency, the neutron capture reaction products that escape the lining and enter the signal generating fill gas must be tracked. The tube lining thickness and composition are typically proprietary vendor information, and therefore add additional variables to the system simulation. The modeling methodologies used to predict the neutron detection efficiency of 10B-lined proportional counters were validated by comparing simulated to measured results. The measurements were made with a 252Cf source positioned at several distances from a moderated 2.54-cm diameter 10B-lined tube. Models were constructed of the experimental configurations using the Monte Carlo transport code MCNPX, which is capable of tracking the reaction products from the (n,10B) reaction. Several different lining thicknesses and compositions were simulated for comparison with the measured data. This paper presents the results of the evaluation of the experimental and simulated data, and a summary of how the different linings affect the performance of a coincidence counter configuration designed with 10B-lined proportional counters.
Lintereur, Azaree T.↗
A technique for searching for the 2K capture in {sup 124}Xe with a copper proportional counter
An experimental technique for searching for the 2K capture in {sup 124}Xe with a large low-background copper proportional counter is described. Such an experiment is conducted at the Baksan Neutrino Observatory of the Institute for Nuclear Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The experimental setup is located in the Low-Background Deep-Level Laboratory at a depth of 4900 m.w.e., where the flux of muons of cosmic rays is suppressed by a factor of 10{sup 7} relative to that at the Earth’s surface. The setup incorporates a proportional counter and low-background shielding (18 cm of copper, 15 cm of lead, and 8 cm of borated polyethylene). The results of processing the data obtained in 5 months of live measurement time are presented. A new limit on the half-life of {sup 124}Xe with respect to the 2K capture is set at the level of 2.5 × 10{sup 21} years.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Calibration methodology for proportional counters applied to yield measurements of a neutron burst
This paper introduces a methodology for the yield measurement of a neutron burst using neutron proportional counters. This methodology is to be applied when single neutron events cannot be resolved in time by nuclear standard electronics, or when a continuous current cannot be measured at the output of the counter. The methodology is based on the calibration of the counter in pulse mode, and the use of a statistical model to estimate the number of detected events from the accumulated charge resulting from the detection of the burst of neutrons. The model is developed and presented in full detail. For the measurement of fast neutron yields generated from plasma focus experiments using a moderated proportional counter, the implementation of the methodology is herein discussed. An experimental verification of the accuracy of the methodology is presented. An improvement of more than one order of magnitude in the accuracy of the detection system is obtained by using this methodology with respect to previous calibration methods.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
6 Li-Metal Based Neutron Coincidence Counter for Replacing 3 He Gas Proportional Counters [Slides]
Abstract not provided.
73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗
Controlling Low-Rate Signal Path Microdischarge for an Ultra-Low-Background Proportional Counter
ABSTRACT Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has developed an ultra-low-background proportional counter (ULBPC) made of high purity copper. These detectors are part of an ultra-low-background counting system (ULBCS) in the newly constructed shallow underground laboratory at PNNL (at a depth of ~30 meters water-equivalent). To control backgrounds, the current preamplifier electronics are located outside the ULBCS shielding. Thus the signal from the detector travels through ~1 meter of cable and is potentially susceptible to high voltage microdischarge and other sources of electronic noise. Based on initial successful tests, commercial cables and connectors were used for this critical signal path. Subsequent testing across different batches of commercial cables and connectors, however, showed unwanted (but still low) rates of microdischarge noise. To control this noise source, two approaches were pursued: first, to carefully validate cables, connectors, and other commercial components in this critical signal path, making modifications where necessary; second, to develop a custom low-noise, low-background preamplifier that can be integrated with the ULBPC and thus remove most commercial components from the critical signal path. This integrated preamplifier approach is based on the Amptek A250 low-noise charge-integrating preamplifier module. The initial microdischarge signals observed are presented and characterized according to the suspected source. Each of the approaches for mitigation is described, and the results from both are compared with each other and with the original performance seen with commercial cables and connectors.
low noise↗
Dual-Chamber/Dual-Anode Proportional Counter Incorporating an Intervening Thin-Foil Solid Neutron Converter
A dual-chamber/dual-anode gas proportional counter utilizing thin solid 6LiF or 10B neutron converters coated on a 2-micon-thick Mylar film that is positioned between the two counter chambers and anodes has been designed, fabricated, and tested using a variety of fill gases including naturally abundant helium. In this device, neutron conversion products emitted from both sides of the coated converter foil are detected rather than having half of the products absorbed in the wall of a conventional tube type counter where the solid neutron converter is deposited on the tube wall. Geant4-based radiation transport calculations were used to determine the optimum neutron converter coating thickness for both isotopes. Solution methods for applying these optimized-thickness coatings on a Mylar film were developed that were carried out at room temperature without any specialized equipment and that can be adapted to standard coating methods such as silk screen or ink jet printing. The performance characteristics of the dual-chamber/dual-anode neutron detector were determined for both types of isotopically enriched converters. The experimental performance of the 6LiF converter-based detector was described well by modeling results from Geant4. Additional modeling studies of multiple-foil/multiple-chamber/anode configurations addressed the basic issue of the relatively longer absorption range of neutrons versus the shorter range of the conversion products for 6LiF and 10B. Combined with the experimental results, these simulations indicate that a high-performance neutron detector can be realized in a single device through the application of these multiple-foil/solid converter, multiple-chamber detector concepts.
72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗
Ultra-Sensitive Measurements of Large-Volume Radioxenon Samples Using an Ultra-Low-Background Proportional Counter (ULBPC) (Final Report)
This project investigated the feasibility of analyzing radioxenon samples in much larger quantities than currently used by the International Monitoring System (IMS). There is interest within the PTS and the international community in the ability to obtain xenon samples using the output of industrial oxygen plants, which could provide samples that are larger by three orders of magnitude, or more, than those currently provided by IMS stations. Such samples would best be analyzed using internal-source gas proportional counters, though the details of that approach and its sensitivity and limits were previously not examined. This report details the outcomes of a task designed to 1) analyze xenon radioisotope data collected previously via internal-source gas proportional counting and 2) collect additional gas proportional counter measurements to determine feasible gas blends for large volume xenon.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
Calibration of the Large Area X-Ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) Instrument on board AstroSat
We present the calibration and background model for the Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC) detectors on board AstroSat . The LAXPC instrument has three nominally identical detectors to achieve a large collecting area. These detectors are independent of each other, and in the event analysis mode they record the arrival time and energy of each photon that is detected. The detectors have a time resolution of 10 μ s and a dead-time of about 42 μ s. This makes LAXPC ideal for timing studies. The energy resolution and peak channel-to-energy mapping were obtained from calibration on the ground using radioactive sources coupled with GEANT4 simulations of the detectors. The response matrix was further refined from observations of the Crab after launch. At around 20 keV the energy resolution of the detectors is 10%–15%, while the combined effective area of the three detectors is about 6000 cm{sup 2}.
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗
First result of the experimental search for the 2K-capture of {sup 124}Xe with the copper proportional counter
First result of experiment for searching of 2K-capture of {sup 124}Xe with the large-volume copper proportional counter (LPC) is given. The 12 liters sample with 63.3% (44 g) of {sup 124}Xe was used in measurements. The limit on the half-life of {sup 124}Xe with regard to 2K(2ν)-capture for the ground state of {sup 124}Te (0{sup +} → 0{sup +}, g.s.) has been found: T{sub 1/2} ≥ 4.67 × 10{sup 20} yr (90% C.L.). A sample with volume 52 liters comprising of {sup 124}Xe (10.6L - 58.6 g) and {sup 126}Xe (14.1L - 79.3 g) will used at the next step of the experiment to increase a sensitivity of 2K-caption of {sup 124}Xe registration. In this case sensitivity to the investigated process will be at the level of S = 1.46 × 10{sup 21} yr (90% C.L.) for 1 year measurement.
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗