maxfomitchev

Background Gamma Spectrum

Posted on May 13, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

Here is a high-energy background gamma spectrum I have captured for 10 hours using GAMMA-PRO 5" system - Fig. 1. I had to lower detector bias to 600V to prevent the highest energy gamma events from clipping. Fig. 1. High-energy ... Read More

Thermal neutron spectrum comparison at different bias voltages

Evolution of Neutron Spectrum with Detector Bias

Posted on May 12, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

The shape of a thermal neutron spectrum produced by a Helium-3 filled proportional counter tube generally depends on bias voltage. Three things happen with the increase in bias voltage: Pulse amplitude increases (which helps with noise rejection);Pulse rise time increases;The ... Read More

Search for Alpha Decay Acceleration

Posted on May 9, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

Abstract Bismuth nitrate solution exposed for 30-60 minutes to a strong electrostatic field (-20 kV potential, ~10 MV/m field strength) exhibits significant alpha, beta and gamma activity. However, the in-depth investigation using the Automated Nuclear Lab system has shown that ... Read More

Gamma Spectrometry with CZT

Posted on May 1, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

Using eV Products CdZnTe (CZT) solid-state compact gamma detector (Fig. 1) and MCA-PRO 16 I have acquired the following calibration spectra: Cs-137, Co-57, and Ba-133 (Fig. 2 - 4). I was getting better resolution at higher bias voltages, so I ... Read More

Observing Natural Alpha Background with Eberline AC-3

Posted on May 1, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

Eberline AC-3 is a common ZnAs(Ag) area scintillator probe similar to Canberra/Mirion SA-100. The probe can be easily used with MCA-LITE and requires about 1000V of bias voltage. I decided to use this ALPHA-LITE system to check alpha-activity of thorium ... Read More

X-Ray Spectrometry with Bicron 1XMP.040B

Posted on April 29, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

Bicron 1XMP.040B is a low-energy gamma (e.g. x-ray) NaI(Tl) detector similar to FIDLER, except that it is much smaller in size. The scintillator crystal dimensions are 1" by 1 mm, and the detector cross-section is shown on Fig. 1. Fig. ... Read More

Bubble Fusion Revisited

Posted on April 28, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

Today I have finally got to run a very crude version of the infamous 'bubble fusion' experiment. This was by no means a careful replication of previous work but rather a foolhardy yet hopeful attempt to detect an interesting signal ... Read More

Low-Energy Gamma Detection with FIDLER

Posted on April 22, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

FIDLER stands for Field Instrument for the Detection of Low Energy Radiation. Typical FIDLER detector contains a 5" diameter x 0.06" thick NaI(Tl) "pancake" scintillator mounted on a 5" photomultiplier tube protected by a thin (0.01") beryllium window - Fig. ... Read More

The Art of Measurement

Posted on April 21, 2020October 20, 2022 by maxfomitchev

When conducting cutting edge scientific experiments we are almost exclusively dealing with small effects and intricate instruments. Because we are not measuring tangible objects with physical scales or physical rulers our common-sense notions pertaining to measurements no longer apply. Therefore ... Read More

RELIABLE NEUTRON AND GAMMA DETECTION

Author: maxfomitchev