The Characterisation of an Alpha Spectrometry System using a Certificated Standard Source

Abstract

The calibration parameters of a high resolution two-chamber alpha spectrometer dedicated to detect alpha radiation in environmental samples were evaluated and confirmed using a certified standard source containing 237 Np, 241 Am and 244 Cm nuclides. The resolution and efficiency characteristics for the two ion-implanted solid state detectors (ULTRA AS series) in this system were evaluated at all possible detector-source distances. The characteristics related to the performance of alpha detectors against the alpha radiation emitted from the standard source used in the measurements and the results obtained were compared in detail.