R. Britton1 , A. Davies1
1AWE Aldermaston, Reading, United Kingdom
Abstract:
As part of regular laboratory operations, GBL15 (the UK CTBTO certified radionuclide laboratory) participates in annual Proficiency Test Exercises (PTEs) organised by the CTBTO. GBL15 consistently achieves the top `A' grade in these exercises using dedicated HPGe detector systems; to achieve the sensitivity required these are specifically designed to use low-background materials, and are further enclosed within advanced passive and active shielding [1]. GBL15 also has a research system that is based on two high-efficiency HPGe detectors collocated in a single shield, currently capable of measuring and quantifying X-ray-gamma and gamma-gamma signals[2-4]. By measuring cascades of gamma radiation, the background is dramatically lowered, greatly increasing the sensitivity of the system. This poster describes the use of this system to conduct a PTE, and compares the results to a standard analysis. 1. Burnett J, Davies A, (2013) J Radioanal Nucl Chem 298-2, 987-992 2. Britton R, Burnett J, Davies A, Jackson M, (2015) J Environ Radioact 146, 1-5 3. Britton R, Jackson M, Davies A, (2015) J Environ Radioact 149, 158-163 4. Britton R, Jackson M, Davies A, (2016) J App Rad Isot 116, 128–133
