An Investigation of the Light Capture Properties of the XEPHWICH, a Phoswich Radiation Detection System
Author | : Sean E. Jones |
Publisher | : |
Total Pages | : 128 |
Release | : 2009 |
ISBN-10 | : OCLC:233981062 |
ISBN-13 | : |
Rating | : 4/5 (62 Downloads) |
Download or read book An Investigation of the Light Capture Properties of the XEPHWICH, a Phoswich Radiation Detection System written by Sean E. Jones and published by . This book was released on 2009 with total page 128 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The XEPHWICH system is a phoswich type (multiple scintillator) radiation detector designed to detect several radioxenon isotopes with the goal of identifying covert nuclear explosions. The XEPHWICH system is designed with the sole purpose of replacing the Automated Radio-xenon Sampler/Analyzer (ARSA) in the United Nation's (UN) Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty's (CTBT) International Monitoring System (IMS). This study consists of two stages, computer simulation and laboratory experiment. The use of DETECT2000, a Monte-Carlo optical simulator, was the method by which optical performance and potential improvements to the XEPHWICH design were investigated. The laboratory experiment conducted in this study validated the modeling methods used in the study and investigated the effects of light capture efficiency on XEPHWICH system output. The experiment consisted of exposing the NaI(Tl) layer of the XEPHWICH to a lead collimated Cs-137 beam at varying locations, and comparing the differential energy spectra observed. The simulation work resulted in design considerations for improving the optical performance of the XEPHWICH. Additionally, through simulation, the optical performance of the XEPHWICH was characterized and can be compared to competing scintillator designs. The experimental observations included expected and unexpected effects that light capture properties had on the system signal. Of particular importance, the experimental results supported the modeling method applied, and demonstrated that an increase in expected light capture efficiency was associated with better energy resolution for a full energy peak in a differential pulse height spectrum.