2013: Optimization of low-background alpha spectrometers for analysis of thick samples

1-s2.0-S0969804313000882-gr1

Applied Radiation and Isotopes 81 (2013) 146–150

M. Misiaszek a), K. Pelczar a), M. Wójcik a), G. Zuzel a) & M. Laubenstein b)

a) M. Smoluchowski Institute of Physics, Jagiellonian University, Reymonta 4, PL-30-059 Kraków, Poland
b) Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, INFN, S.S. 17/bis km 18+910, Assergi(AQ), I-67100 Italy

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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.03.006

Abstract

Results of alpha spectrometric measurements 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 for some samples requires 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.