Optimization of low-background alpha spectrometers for analysis of thick samples

M Misiaszek; K Pelczar; M Wójcik; G Zuzel; M Laubenstein

doi:10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.03.006

Optimization of low-background alpha spectrometers for analysis of thick samples

Appl Radiat Isot. 2013 Nov:81:146-50. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.03.006. Epub 2013 Mar 16.

Authors

M Misiaszek¹, K Pelczar, M Wójcik, G Zuzel, M Laubenstein

Affiliation

¹ M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Reymonta 4, PL-30-059 Kraków, Poland.

PMID: 23628514
DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.03.006

Abstract

Results of alpha spectrometric measurements performed deep underground and above ground with and without active veto show that the underground measurement of thick samples is the most sensitive method due to significant reduction of the muon-induced background. In addition, the polonium diffusion requires for some samples an appropriate selection of an energy region in the registered spectrum. On the basis of computer simulations the best counting conditions are selected for a thick lead sample in order to optimize the detection limit.

Keywords: Alpha spectroscopy; Low-background measurements; Surface screening; Thick samples.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Algorithms*
Alpha Particles*
Artifacts*
Polonium / analysis*
Radiation Dosage
Radiometry / methods*
Reproducibility of Results
Scattering, Radiation
Sensitivity and Specificity
Spectrum Analysis / methods*

Substances

Polonium