In gamma-ray spectrometry, new acquisition systems based on digital signal processing are now commercially available. In order to determine their performance at high count rates, the Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA), Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel has tested several of these systems. These tests have clearly shown that the performance levels announced by the manufacturers were generally not met. It was therefore a logical step to include the Atelier de DévelOppement Numérique pour l'Instrumentation en Spectrométrie (ADONIS) system in these tests. ADONIS is the new numerical system for gamma-ray spectrometry, developed by the CEA Service d'Instrumentation et d'Application des Rayonnements.

Algorithms↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Analysis of the 237Np-233Pa photon spectrum using the full response function method.

A study has been made of X- and gamma-ray emission from 237Np in equilibrium with 233Pa using the full response function method. This analysis process is characterised by photon spectrometry in which the entire spectrum is modelled in a pseudo-empirical way by means of elementary functions describing the total absorption and escape peaks, the Compton diffusion internal and external to the detector and the peaks resulting from detection of internal conversion electrons. This method has been applied to determine the L X-, K X- and gamma-rays emission probabilities in 237Np and 233Pa decay studies.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Study of XK and gamma photon emission following decay of 154Eu.

A joint project has been established between VNIIM (D.I. Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology) and LNHB (Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel) to determine as accurately as possible the X- and gamma-ray emission probabilities of 154Eu. Point sources were prepared by VNIIM, and absolute measurements of activity per unit mass were undertaken by both laboratories using coincidence, anti-coincidence and 4pi-gamma counting methods. Other point sources and one aliquot were also prepared for precise gamma-ray spectrometry measurements. Absolute photon emission probabilities were determined with a maximum uncertainty of 0.5% for the most intense lines, supporting the development of this nuclide as a multigamma standard.

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PubMedDate not supplied

Precise determination of photon emission probabilities for the main X- and gamma-rays of 226Ra in equilibrium with daughters.

Within the context of a joint project between VNIIM (D.I. Mendeleyev Institute for Metrology) and LNHB (Laboratoire National Henri Becquerel), special 226Ra sources were prepared by VNIIM in order to determine as accurately as possible the absolute photon emission probabilities for the main X- and gamma-rays following the decay of 226Ra and daughters. The main purpose of this work was to supplement a previous joint study by Laboratorio Nacional de Metrologia das Radiaçoes Ionizantes (LNMRI) and LNHB to determine their relative values. Some specific point sources were produced for alpha-spectrometry measurements that were undertaken at VNIIM and also for gamma-ray spectrometry studies at VNIIM and LNHB. The 226Ra activity for the gamma-spectrometric sources was measured relative to the alpha-spectrometric sources by comparing the counts of the main gamma-rays. The total uncertainty of the activity for these sources was 0.2% (k = 1). Using calibrated germanium detectors, several X- and gamma-ray spectra were analyzed to determine the absolute photon emission probabilities of 226Ra in radioactive equilibrium with daughters. The results are presented and compared to other published values.

Alpha Particles↗

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Results of the international Pu-2000 exercise for plutonium isotopic composition measurements.

An international comparison for plutonium isotopic composition measurement, known as the Pu-2000 exercise, was organized by the ESARDA NDA-WG (European Safeguards Research and Development Association, Working Group on Techniques and Standards for Non-Destructive Assay). The aim of this comparison was to test X- and gamma-ray spectrometry methods over a large range of isotopic ratios. These methods are based on the complex analysis of several X- and gamma-rays in the KX region of the plutonium spectrum and also in the 120-700 keV energy range. The results obtained by the participants with their corresponding uncertainties are presented in this document and compared to the declared values. The main conclusions of the work are also given. No important bias due to an inadequate knowledge of the nuclear data for plutonium isotopes was observed.

International Cooperation↗

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Characterization of three digital signal processor systems used in gamma ray spectrometry.

Various manufacturers have recently introduced digital signal processing systems that allow data acquisition in gamma spectrometry at high-input counting rates (several thousand pulses per second). In these systems, the signal digitization is performed immediately following the preamplification stage. This allows digital shaping and filtering of the signal which increases the number of possible combinations in signal shaping and as a consequence, optimizes the resolution as a function of the detector characteristics and the counting rate. Basic characteristic parameters of three digital signal processors that were recently introduced in the market have been studied and compared to those of an analog system. This study is carried out using a hyper-pure coaxial type germanium detector and 57Co, 60Co and 137Cs radioactive sources. Performance parameters such as energy resolution, system throughput, and counting losses that are due to dead time and pile-up effects are presented and discussed.

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Emission probabilities of the KX-rays following the decay of 237Np in equilibrium with 233Pa.

Following international EUROMET Project No. 416 and our recent measurement of the emission probabilities of the main gamma-rays of 237Np in equilibrium with 233Pa, a complementary work has been undertaken to determine the photon emission probabilities of the KX-rays associated with the decay of these nuclides. Two different analysis methods have been used: the KX-rays region was analyzed by fitting both Voigt and full response functions. Photon emission probabilities were determined with a relative uncertainty of about 2%.

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Standardization and decay data of 237Np.

This paper reports contributions from participants in the EUROMET project (No. 416) which was entitled "237Np research into problems relating to purification, characterization and standardization". Primary standardizations were made by the defined low solid angle, coincidence, 4pi alpha, 2pi alpha and liquid scintillation counting methods. Secondary standardizations were made with calibrated gamma-ray spectrometers. Absolute X-ray, gamma-ray and alpha-particle emission probabilities were also determined. The results for the successful conclusion of both primary and secondary standardization are presented together with the values for alpha-particle and gamma-ray emission probabilities determined in this exercise. Several significant inconsistencies remain with the gamma-ray emission probabilities, and these are highlighted.

Journal Article↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Evolutionary comparison of laboratory cardiac and infectious parameters during septic shock: about an original case].

A massive release of troponin Ic and CKMB was described in a patient during septic shock. According to experimental animal models previously described, this release of biological markers by myocardial tissue could be due to an inflammatory process of myocardial tissue during septic shock without myocardial infarction in non cardiac critically ill patients.

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