Activity determination of (41)Ar using efficiency extrapolation method and 4πβ(PS)-4πγ(NaI) coincidence system

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Physics
• Radiochemistry
• Metrology

Background:

• Accurate quantification of radioactive isotopes like Argon-41 (41Ar) is crucial for various applications, including environmental monitoring and nuclear safety.
• Traditional methods may face challenges in efficiency calibration for complex decay schemes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the efficacy of an efficiency extrapolation method for determining the activity of Argon-41 (41Ar).
• To validate the efficiency extrapolation method against high-resolution gamma spectroscopy.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a 4πβ-4πγ coincidence system employing NaI(Tl) and plastic scintillator (PS) detectors for gamma- and beta-ray detection, respectively.
• Employed an efficiency extrapolation method by electronically varying beta detector efficiency via custom Visual Basic software.
• Performed high-resolution gamma spectroscopy using a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• The activity of 41Ar was successfully determined using the efficiency extrapolation method.
• Results obtained from the efficiency extrapolation method showed satisfactory agreement with those from high-resolution gamma spectroscopy.
• The study confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the efficiency extrapolation method for 41Ar activity measurement.

Conclusions:

• The efficiency extrapolation method provides an accurate and reliable means for measuring the activity of Argon-41 (41Ar).
• This method serves as a viable alternative or complementary technique to high-resolution gamma spectroscopy for radioactive noble gas quantification.