Induced-Voltage Studies in a Cobalt-60 gamma Irradiator

摘要

An investigation into the basic mechanism of gammaradiation induced current and voltage in electrical systems has been started by using the NARF 1500-curie Co60 radiation source. Steady-state measurements of electric potentials induced in a specially constructed hollow cylindrical capacitor as a function of gamma field direction, gamma field strength, and apparatus temperature are described. It is concluded that the Compton process is the dominant mechanism involved. A theory is developed explaining in detail how electrons from Compton collision might produce currents in a simple insulator-conductor system. It was found that, within the narrow range of gamma field intensity available, the induced current depended linearly upon field intensity as the equation predicted. (Author)