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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:52
A Novel Technique for Raman Analysis of Highly Radioactive Samples Using Any Standard Micro-Raman Spectrometer
Published on: April 12, 2017
The Slanic-Prahova (ROMANIA) underground low-background radiation laboratory
R Margineanu1, C Simion, S Bercea
1Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, P.O. Box MG-06, 077125 Magurele (Ilfov), Romania.
Summary
A new low-background radiation laboratory in the Slanic-Prahova salt mine offers a significantly reduced natural radiation environment. This facility is ideal for sensitive measurements requiring minimal background interference.
Area of Science:
- Geophysics
- Radiation Physics
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Natural radiation levels on the surface can interfere with sensitive scientific measurements.
- Underground environments, particularly salt mines, offer potential for significant radiation shielding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and characterize a new low-background radiation laboratory.
- To assess the effectiveness of the Slanic-Prahova salt mine as a shielded environment for radiation measurements.
Main Methods:
- Construction and commissioning of a laboratory within the Slanic-Prahova salt mine at 208 m depth.
- Measurement of absorbed dose rates and gamma background spectra.
- Comparison of radiation levels inside the mine with surface measurements.
Main Results:
- The laboratory achieved a global reduction in absorbed dose rate of approximately 39 times compared to surface levels.
- Measured absorbed dose rate inside the mine is 1.17+/-0.14 nGy/h.
- The total gamma background spectrum (40 KeV - 3 MeV) was 100 times smaller than in an open-field surface location.
Conclusions:
- The Slanic-Prahova low-background radiation laboratory is fully operational and highly effective.
- The facility provides a significantly reduced natural radiation environment suitable for various low-background experiments.
- The salt mine location offers excellent shielding properties for sensitive radiation detection.
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