Study of the Characteristics of High Pressure Proportional Counters for the Detection of Radioactive Noble Gases
Abstract
This report presents a study of the design and operating characteristics of high pressure proportional counters for the detection of radioactive noble gases. The analysis was limited to those radioisotopes of xenon, 131mXe and 133Xe, which are produced in nuclear fission. The detector may be utilized for the identification of the radionuclide 133Xe through conversion electron analysis. A sample of 133Xe was measured at 41 atmospheres using xenon as the counting gas; the resolution (FWHM) for the 45 keV conversion electron and 75.6 keV sum peak were found to be 5.9 keV and 7.0 keV respectively. The extreme sensitivity of noble gases to electronegative impurities was also found; a periodic or perhaps continuous purification of the counting gas may be required for stable and reproducible resolution. Recommendations were made for further study.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADA135803
Entities
People
- Jeffrey J. Knapp
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology