The Henryk Niewodniczański
Institute of Nuclear Physics
Polish Academy of Sciences

Alpha spectrometers for studies of environmental contamination

Silena, Ortec, Canberra

Technical data

1. Alpha Duo (by Ortec, USA, 2010) Two independent measurement tracks equipped with Ortec detectors of 450 mm2 area each and resolution of 18 keV. Spectra aquisition using Ortec Maestro software.

2. AlphaQuattro, (Silena SpA, Milano, Italy; 1995) Four independent measurement tracks equipped with Canberra PIPS detectors of 450 mm2 area each and resolution of 18 keV. Spectra aquisition using Silena MCAplus software.

3. Two Ortec 576 A, (by Ortec USA 1988) Four independent measurement tracks equipped with Canberra PIPS detectors of 450 mm2 area each and resolution of 18 keV.

4. Two Canberra 7401, (by Canberra, USA, 2011) Two independent measurement tracks equipped with Canberra PIPS detectors of 450 mm2 area each and resolution of 18 keV.

5. Canberra Multiport II MCA controlled from by Genie 2000 software for spectra aquisition from Ortec 576A & Canberra 7401 spectrometers.

6. Two PC dedicated to all above spectrometers.

Fig. 1. Set of 12 tracks of alpha spectrometry in Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory.

Application

Measurements of alpha emitters (for examples Plutonium, Americium, Radium, Uranium, Thorium, Samarium, Curium etc. isotopes) in almost any kind of environmental or material samples. Measurement requires earlier appropriate radiochemical treatment.

Laboratory in which the equipment is in use

Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory, Building 6, Department of Nuclear Physical Chemistry (NZ64)