Sensors & Electronics
Nuclear Radiation Sensors
Ultra-low Radiation Background Counting (155)
Gamma-ray spectra recorded with a 2-kg low-background Ge system in the Homestake Mine (South Dakota) showing clean radiation peak spectra at orders of magnitude below background levels using standard instruments at the earth's surface.
Problem: Background γ-rays from standard materials and in most environments prevent sensitive radiological analyses
Project Activity Scope (from Technical Overview Chart): Mechanisms through Instruments
PNNL Solution:
- Decades-long effort identified radioactive impurities in common materials used in equipment
- Located materials processed prior to cold war nuclear testing with minimal radioactive impurities
- Assembled high-resolution gamma-ray spectrometer deep underground
Capabilities Employed to Meet Client Needs: Radiation sensor development; materials sciences; statistics and applied mathematics; analog and digital electronics; computer system integration; software development; mechanical hardware design; system integration; system test and evaluation; system delivery, installation, and demonstration at underground laboratories in Lead SD, Sudan MN, Canfranc Spain, Baksan Russia, and Sierra Grande Argentina; system documentation development.
Selected Links to Related Information:
- Related Websites
Contact: Harry Miley
