Characterising NaI(Tl) Scintillator Detectors for Gamma-ray Measurements: Evaluating Energy Resolution and Performance

Wesseling, Diede (2023) Characterising NaI(Tl) Scintillator Detectors for Gamma-ray Measurements: Evaluating Energy Resolution and Performance. Bachelor's Thesis, Applied Physics.

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Abstract

Neutron cross-section information, particularly inelastic cross sections and (n,xn) cross sections, is crucial for nuclear reactor studies. At the GELINA facility in Geel, the GAINS spectrometer uses High-Purity Germanium detectors for gamma-ray spectroscopy to measure these cross sections. An alternative to these detectors could be NaI(Tl) scintillator detectors, which are assessed in this research paper. The primary objective of this study is to characterise three NaI(Tl) detectors to evaluate their operational performance. Cobalt energy spectra were analysed using these detectors, showing expected shapes, and distinct energy peaks for different gamma decays were clearly distinguishable. By determining the energy resolutions and plotting them against corresponding energies, the NaI(Tl) detectors were characterised. The performance of the detectors were assessed by fitting the data points to an equation which incorporates a constant linked to data loss of the detector. All three detectors demonstrated excellent energy resolutions below 7%, proving their capability to accurately detect gamma radiation. However, to enhance the reliability of the results, certain improvements are needed. The current dataset used for fitting covers only a limited energy range, anc the inclusion of data on gamma rays with higher energies would refine the fitting process. Additionally, grounding and shielding the detectors could be helpful to eliminate unnecessary noise and background radiation in

Item Type:	Thesis (Bachelor's Thesis)
Supervisor name:	Kavatsyuk, M. and Giessen, E. van der
Degree programme:	Applied Physics
Thesis type:	Bachelor's Thesis
Language:	English
Date Deposited:	14 Aug 2023 14:42
Last Modified:	14 Aug 2023 14:42
URI:	https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/31162

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