A comparison of untagged gamma-ray and tagged-neutron yields from (241)AmBe and (238)PuBe sources

Scherzinger, J., Al Jebali, R., Annand, J.R.M., Fissum, K.G., Hall-Wilton, R., Koufigar, S., Mauritzson, N., Messi, F., Perrey, H. and Rofors, E. (2017) A comparison of untagged gamma-ray and tagged-neutron yields from (241)AmBe and (238)PuBe sources. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 127, pp. 98-102. (doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2017.05.014) (PMID:28564615)

[img]
Preview
Text
142185.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

411kB

Abstract

Untagged gamma-ray and tagged-neutron yields from 241AmBe and 238PuBe mixed-field sources have been measured. Gamma-ray spectroscopy measurements from 1 to 5 MeV were performed in an open environment using a CeBr3 detector and the same experimental conditions for both sources. The shapes of the distributions are very similar and agree well with previous data. Tagged-neutron measurements from 2 to 6 MeV were performed in a shielded environment using a NE-213 liquid-scintillator detector for the neutrons and a YAP(Ce) detector to tag the 4.44 MeV gamma-rays associated with the de-excitation of the first-excited state of 12C. Again, the same experimental conditions were used for both sources. The shapes of these distributions are also very similar and agree well with previous data, each other, and the ISO recommendation. Our 238PuBe source provides approximately 2.6 times more 4.44 MeV gamma-rays and 2.4 times more neutrons over the tagged-neutron energy range, the latter in reasonable agreement with the original full-spectrum source-calibration measurements performed at the time of their acquisition.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:We acknowledge the support of the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (Grant nos. STFC 57071/1 and STFC 50727/1) and the European Union Horizon 2020 BrightnESS Project, Proposal ID 676548.
Keywords:Americium-beryllium, Cerium-bromide, Fast neutrons, Gamma-rays, NE-213, Plutonium-beryllium, Pulse-shape discrimination, Time-of-flight
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Al Jebali, Dr Ramsey and Annand, Dr John
Authors: Scherzinger, J., Al Jebali, R., Annand, J.R.M., Fissum, K.G., Hall-Wilton, R., Koufigar, S., Mauritzson, N., Messi, F., Perrey, H., and Rofors, E.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Applied Radiation and Isotopes
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0969-8043
ISSN (Online):1872-9800
Published Online:16 May 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Applied Radiation and Isotopes 127:98-102
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record