MEASUREMENT OF NEUTRON ACTIVATED SHORT-LIVED NUCLIDES USING A PNEUMATIC TRANSFER SYSTEM
Abstract
A rapid pneumatic transfer device has been designed and constructed for use with the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School AGN-201 Reactor. This device permits rapid removal of the sample from the center of the core of the reactor to a shielded counting position to permit measurement of the half-lives of short-lived nuclides. Preliminary measurements of the decay of a mixture of Hf178m and Hf179m were made. The Hf178m and Hf179m nuclides were produced by the neutron activation of a hafnium sample. Preliminary measurements of the resulting decay were made by detection of the gamma emission. Decay data were obtained with the use of a scintillation counter and a multi-channel analyzer. The measured half-life of Hf179m was 18.2 seconds compared to the published value of 19 seconds. The half-life of Hf178m has not been determined because of limitations of the analyzer. PROPOSED METHODS TO IMPROVE MEASUREMENTS OF BOTH OF THESE HALF-LIVES ARE DISCUSSED. Computer programs were devised for least squares fitting of the decay of an independent mixture of two nuclides and for single nuclide decay. These programs are described, and the FORTRAN statement for the decay of a mixture of two nuclides is included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0481345
Entities
People
- Alfred O. Paas
- Robert D. Sullivan
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School