Redesigned β–γ radioxenon detector

Validation of MCNPX-PoliMi code for simulations of radioxenon beta–gamma coincidence detection

“…The detectors used for this study are assumed to be a rounded plastic beta cell and a well-type NaI(Tl) detector as shown in Fig. 1 [19]. The activity of each sample was estimated from these measurements using traditional methods and the simulation was based on the activity estimation.…”

Estimation of Plutonium-240 Mass in Waste Tanks Using Ultra-Sensitive Detection of Radioactive Xenon Isotopes from Spontaneous Fission

“…The sample cylinders from tank TX-118 were transported from the Hanford Waste Tank Facility to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where a SAUNA-II system is continuously operated, for processing and analysis. The SAUNA-II processing and analysis is well documented in several references [2], [9], [11]. After the analysis in the SAUNA-II system, the radio-xenon sample was transferred to a 500 cc archive bottle which enabled longer duration, more detailed analysis.…”

“…The detection and quantification of plutonium in difficult to access locations, such as underground nuclear waste tanks, normally requires the collection of physical samples followed by radiochemistry to remove interfering isotopes and/or other radiometric techniques (e.g., mass spectroscopy or radiation counting). The team at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is exploring a technique that allows for the indirect detection and possible quantification of plutonium using existing ultra-sensitive detection methods for radioactive xenon [1], [2]. This method utilizes the relatively high spontaneous fission rate of 240 Pu which produces various xenon isotopes.…”

Modeling Light Capture Efficiency on Various Radiation Detector Geometries Using Monte-Carlo Optical Transport Software

“…The primary objective of this research is to determine geometric considerations for optimal light capture efficiency in the beta cell of a coincidence beta-gamma detector that consists of two different scintillators, (Cooper et al, 2007). This research is applicable to the improvement of the performance of all scintillation based radiation detection systems.…”