Calibration of low-level beta-gamma coincidence detector systems for xenon isotope detection.

The beta-gamma coincidence detector systems used for the measurement of the CTBT-relevant xenon isotopes (Xe-131m, Xe-133m, Xe-133 and Xe-135) in the International Monitoring System network and in the On-Site Inspection are reviewed. These detectors typically consist of a well-type or bore-through NaI crystal into which a measurement cell, serving also as a sample container, is inserted. This work describes the current calibration procedure for energy, resolution and efficiency, implementation challenges, availability and uncertainties of the specific nuclear decay data and the path forward to full calibration validation using GEANT4.

Angular distribution of proton leakage from a fusion plasma using ultra low-level gamma-ray spectrometry.

This experiment aimed at studying a technique to measure the leakage of charged particles from a fusion plasma. The activity induced in samples of various materials placed on a special holder inside a Tokamak was measured using ultra low-level gamma-ray spectrometry (ULGS) performed in three underground laboratories. In total, 27 radionuclides were detected in this experiment. Seven of these radionuclides were mainly produced by proton interactions. For two of them it was possible to determine their angular distribution.

Smallest known Q value of any nuclear decay: the rare beta;{-} decay of ;{115}In(9/2;{+}) --> ;{115}Sn(3/2;{+}).

The ground-state-to-ground-state Q_{beta;{-}} value of ;{115}In was determined to 497.68(17) keV using a high-precision Penning trap facility at the University of Jyväskylä, Finland. From this, a Q_{beta;{-}} value of 0.35(17) keV was obtained for the rare beta;{-} decay to the first excited state of ;{115}Sn at 497.334(22) keV. The partial half-life was determined to 4.1(6) x 10;{20} yr using ultra low-background gamma-ray spectrometry in an underground laboratory. Theoretical modeling of this 2nd-forbidden unique beta;{-} transition was also undertaken and resulted in Q_{beta;{-}} = 57_{-12};{+19} eV using the measured half-life. The discrepancy between theory and experiment could be attributed to atomic effects enhanced by the low Q value. The present study implies that this transition has the lowest Q value of any known nuclear beta decay.