Development of decay energy spectroscopy using low temperature detectors

Area of Science:

• Nuclear physics
• Low-temperature physics
• Detector technology

Background:

• Accurate measurement of alpha decay events is crucial for radionuclide identification and nuclear structure studies.
• Existing detection techniques often face limitations in energy resolution and sensitivity.
• Low-temperature detectors offer a promising avenue for enhanced precision in nuclear event detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a high-resolution detection technique for measuring alpha decay events.
• To characterize the performance of a new meander-type magnetic calorimeter for alpha spectroscopy.
• To validate the technique by identifying alpha emitters in a (226)Ra sample.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing low-temperature detectors with a 4π metal absorber to capture alpha decay energy.
• Employing a metallic magnetic calorimeter as a sensitive thermometer attached to the absorber.
• Establishing thermal contact using annealed gold wires for efficient heat transfer.
• Performing Q spectroscopy on a (226)Ra sample to analyze alpha decay characteristics.

Main Results:

• Achieved high-resolution energy and activity measurements of alpha decay events.
• Successfully identified all alpha emitters present in the (226)Ra sample.
• Demonstrated excellent detector linearity across the measured energy range.
• Obtained a spectral resolution of 3.3 keV FWHM for the (226)Ra Q value, including observation of a gamma escape peak.

Conclusions:

• The developed low-temperature detection technique provides high-resolution alpha spectroscopy capabilities.
• The meander-type magnetic calorimeter demonstrates effective performance for sensitive thermal measurements.
• This technique offers a reliable method for radionuclide identification and characterization in complex samples.