I. V. Chernysheva

New modification of xenon gamma-ray detector with high energy resolution

Abstract. Performance of a new modification of xenon gamma-ray detector (XGD) is presented. This detector differs from the previous ones by virtue of improved energy resolution (1.7±0.1)% at 662 keV and the ability to function in the presence of external acoustic noise (up to 100 dB) with virtually no degradation of spectrometric characteristics. These results have been achieved by developing a digital method of processing every electric signal coming from the XGD. For this method, digital electronics based on field-programmable gate array has also been developed.

Xenon detector with high energy resolution for gamma-ray line emission registration

A description of the xenon detector (XD) for gamma-ray line emission registration is presented. The detector provides high energy resolution and is able to operate under extreme environmental conditions (wide temperature range and unfavorable acoustic action). Resistance to acoustic noise as well as improvement in energy resolution has been achieved by means of real-time digital pulse processing. Another important XD feature is the ionization chamber’s thin wall with composite housing, which significantly decreases the mass of the device and expands its energy range, especially at low energies.

Xenon gamma-ray spectrometer in the experiment Signal on board the spacecraft Interhelioprobe

In the experiment SIGNAL, which is planned to take place on board spacecraft INTERHELIOPROBE, a xenon gammaray spectrometer is to be used. The gamma-ray spectrometer in question has been chosen because of its characteristics permitting detailed study of solar gamma-radiation under rough experimental conditions. The equipment is able to provide: high energy resolution (5-6-fold better than that of scintillation detectors), performance at high temperatures, steady operation under significant vibroacoustic load, and high radiation resistance of the working medium. The aforesaid properties of the xenon gamma-ray spectrometer meet goals and objectives of the experiment SIGNAL. The description of ballistics scenario and operation orbit of the INTERHELIOPROBE spacecraft (SC) are presented.

Electromagnetic shields based on multilayer film structures

Electrodeposited multilayer-film electromagnetic shields are very promising for protecting various devices due to high shielding efficiency and the possibility of depositing on complex-shaped objects. In this communication, we present the results of measurements of the shielding efficiency of such shields. The shields represent alternating layers of materials with high magnetic permeability (Ni-Fe) and high conductivity (Cu). The maximum number of double layers is 45. It is shown that the shielding efficiency in the weak magnetic fields (0.1–0.2 mT) is 8–10; at higher magnetic field strengths (1.5–2.5 mT), it reaches 80–100. It is shown that the shielding factor increases with the number of layers in the shield at the same thickness of a soft magnetic material. A permalloy shield at the same amount of a soft magnetic material has an efficiency lower by a factor of 3–15 depending on the magnetic field strength.

Xenon gamma-ray detector for ecological applications

Abstract. A description of the xenon detector (XD) for ecological applications is presented. The detector provides high energy resolution and is able to operate under extreme environmental conditions (wide temperature range and unfavorable acoustic action). Resistance to acoustic noise as well as improvement in energy resolution has been achieved by means of real-time digital pulse processing. Another important XD feature is the ionization chamber’s thin wall with composite housing, which significantly decreases the mass of the device and expands its energy range, especially at low energies.

Simulation of the xenon gamma spectrometer for analyzing radioactive materials

The results of the calculation of the detection efficiency of gamma-rays for the xenon gamma spectrometer (XGS) obtained using the GEANT4 Monte Carlo simulation are presented. The gamma spectra of the set of basic standard gamma-sources (OSGI) are analyzed for a real detector, and the calculated and actual detection efficiencies are compared. The XGS spectra are analyzed to determine the minimum concentration of the 152Eu radio nuclide in the 137Cs and 60Co mixture. It is shown that the xenon gamma spectrometer is capable of detecting the isotope at concentrations above 40% in the mixture.

Application prospects of multilayer film shields for space equipment protection against constant magnetic fields

Protection of scientific equipment aboard spacecrafts against both natural and artificial constant magnetic fields is an urgent problem. Multilayer film electromagnetic shields produced by electrodeposition showed high shielding efficiency during laboratory tests. To test their application prospects under conditions of real space flights, a “Nanomag” scintillation telescope was developed and fabricated. Laboratory tests which demonstrated its operability at magnetic field induction to 4 mT are presented in this paper.

Determination of radioactive waste activity in containers using a xenon gamma spectrometer

A xenon gamma spectrometer (XGS) with a sensitive volume of 6 liters is described. Physico-technical characteristics of the gamma spectrometer, determined using radioactive sources of the set of standard spectrometric gamma sources, are presented. Gamma spectra of radioactive waste in a 3.4-m3 container for solid radioactive waste are measured, and isotope activities are determined. The XGS is simulated by the Monte Carlo method using the GEANT4 package. The activities are determined by a combined method with an analysis of experimental spectra and simulated data. It is shown that the XGS has good metrological capabilities for characterizing radioactive waste, including nuclide identification and their activity estimation.

Identification of hidden fissile materials using high-pressure xenon gamma-ray detectors

The description of the High Pressure Xenon Gamma-Ray Detector (HPXeD) and its main characteristics are considered in the context of the search for hidden fissile materials. The results of HPXeD measurements of gamma-radiation from radioactive sources, which are covered by lead, iron and aluminium shields, are analyzed and discussed. The use of special software for processing data is shown to improve the potential of radioactive material detection, including the identification and estimation of the main protective shield parameters.