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Low-level γ-ray spectrometry at the underground laboratory Garching
M v Sivers1, M Hofmann1, T Mannel1
1Physik-Department E15, Technische Universität München, 85748 Garching, Germany.
Summary
Two low-background setups using HPGe detectors were developed for material screening. These setups achieved high sensitivity in detecting radioactive isotopes like Radium and Thorium in various materials.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Materials Science
- Low-Background Counting
Background:
- Material screening requires sensitive detection of trace radioactive isotopes.
- Underground laboratories minimize cosmic ray background for sensitive measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct and characterize two distinct low-background High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector setups.
- To evaluate the sensitivity of these setups for material screening.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two HPGe detector setups (GEM and LoAx) in the Garching Underground Laboratory.
- Employed passive shielding and active muon veto.
- GEM setup: 150% HPGe detector with optional NaI(Tl) anti-Compton veto.
- LoAx setup: Face-to-face HPGe detectors for coincidence measurements.
Main Results:
- GEM setup achieved ~5 mBq/kg sensitivity for 226Ra and 228Ra/228Th in 5.6 kg copper after 11 days.
- LoAx setup achieved <100 mBq/kg sensitivity for 234Th and 210Pb in 156 g PPO after 18 days.
Conclusions:
- Both setups demonstrate excellent sensitivity for ultra-low level radioactivity measurements.
- The developed low-background facilities are suitable for sensitive material screening applications.