Radioactivity induced in a 2.5 GeV electron beam dump

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics
• Radiation Physics

Background:

• Understanding residual nuclei saturation activity is crucial for radiation safety and waste management in particle accelerator facilities.
• Accurate estimation of induced radioactivity is essential for designing effective shielding and handling procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the saturation activity of residual nuclei produced by electron beam absorption in various materials.
• To calculate gamma ray dose rates from activated targets for radiation safety assessments.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurements of residual nuclei saturation activity using 2.5 GeV electron beams absorbed in thick Al, Fe, Cu, and Pb targets.
• Monte Carlo simulations using EGS4 and PICA95 codes for beam dump calculations from 0.1 to 10 GeV.
• Calculation of gamma ray dose rates based on measured and simulated activity data.

Main Results:

• Saturation activity was measured for electron beam energies of 2.5 GeV in Al, Fe, Cu, and Pb.
• Calculations indicated that above 1 GeV, the saturation activity remained constant in units of MBq.W-1.
• Gamma ray dose rates from the activated targets were determined using the obtained activity data.

Conclusions:

• The saturation activity of residual nuclei exhibits a constant trend above 1 GeV electron beam energy.
• The study provides essential data for estimating radiation hazards and optimizing safety protocols in accelerator environments.
• Accurate dose rate calculations are feasible using the established activity estimation methods.