Measurement of absolute photon emission probabilities using liquid scintillation analysis and gamma-ray spectroscopy.

摘要

Stock solutions of 243Am, 239Np, 237Np, 233Pa, and 233Th were prepared and purified using solvent extraction techniques. Liquid samples, prepared from portions of each solution, were used to measure absolute activities using liquid scintillation counting (LSC), and obtain gamma-ray spectra using high purity germanium detectors. Absolute intensities are reported for the photons observed in these decays. Experimental gamma-ray intensities are in good agreement (∼1%) with current evaluations for 239Np and 213Pa, giving confidence in the other results. LSC beta detection efficiencies are explored, to include a correction technique for the loss of counts at low particle energy. Additionally, corrections for photoelectric absorption and elemental attenuation are applied.