Absolute measurement of surface particle emission rates from α and β plane sources using a digitizer

Abstract

Objective To prove the validity and accuracy of the digitizer instead of the conventional electronics plug-in for radionuclide measurement. Methods Based on a large-area flow-gas multi-wire proportional counter for 2πα and 2πβ surface particle emission rate measurement, the DT5730 digital waveform sampler developed by CAEN was used for waveform signal acquisition, amplitude analysis, and data processing of the α-plane source 241Am and the β-plane source nuclides 14C, 36Cl, and 90Sr-90Y of different energies. Results The deviations between the α and β surface particle emission rate results obtained after dead time and background corrections and the measurements obtained based on the plug-in calibrator were all within 0.6%, within the uncertainty range, under consistent experimental conditions such as electronics threshold and high pressure. Conclusion The digitizer is an effective alternative to conventional electronics plug-ins for α and β signal acquisition and processing and the accurate measurement of α and β emission rates.