Quality control of liquid scintillation counters

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Metrology

Background:

• Liquid scintillation counting (LSC) is a key technique at the Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel (LNHB).
• LSC is employed for primary radionuclide standardization using the triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) method, secondary calibration, source stability studies, and radioactive purity assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the LSC instrumentation and methodologies utilized at LNHB.
• To emphasize the importance of LSC counter operational quality and traceability for accurate radioactivity measurements.

Main Methods:

• Utilizes five LSC counters: two custom-built 3-photodetector systems for TDCR and three commercial counters (two Wallac 1414, one Wallac 1220 Quantulus).
• Focuses on the triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) method for primary radionuclide standardization.

Main Results:

• The LNHB employs a diverse set of LSC counters tailored for specific metrological applications.
• Successful implementation of the TDCR method relies on the precise functioning of specialized 3-photodetector LSC systems.

Conclusions:

• The quality and reliability of radioactivity measurements at LNHB are directly dependent on the proper functioning and calibration of LSC equipment.
• Traceability of LSC measurements to fundamental frequency and time units is essential for maintaining metrological standards.