Research about the activity measurement of 238U using the new CeBr3 detector

Abstract

BackgroundAt present, the determination of 238U activity in natural samples mainly relies on HPGe spectrometer, but it has application limitation and high cost.PurposeThis study aims to measure the activity of 238U by the new detector at room temperature, providing a lower cost, more convenient and efficient technical means for on-site activity measurement and natural sample analysis.MethodsThe original spectrum data of natural samples measured by the new CeBr3 detector were analyzed. The feasibility of extracting energy peak of 1 001 keV for 238U content calculation from the measured U-Ra gamma spectrum was investigated. Influence of 1 001 keV and 969 keV peeks and calculation of the peak area were explored by using the measured U-Th gamma spectrum. Finally, the measurement results of 1 001 keV energy peek obtained by using CeBr3 detector were compared with those of high resolution HPGe semiconductor detector to evaluate the effectiveness of this method.ResultsThe comparison results show that the CeBr3 detector can be used to distinguish 1 001 keV (238U) energy peek from 969 keV (228Ac) energy peek in the measured spectrum of natural samples, and the activity measurement result of 238U using 1 001 keV energy peek is consistent with HPGe spectrometer.ConclusionsThe new CeBr3 detector is applicable to measuring the activity of 238U in natural samples at room temperature.

Keywords

• cebr3 detector
• 238u
• 1 001 kev
• activity measurement