Experiment 4
Spectroscopic analysis of -radiation
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Content
1. Introduction
1.1 -radiation
1.2 scintillation spectroscopy
2. Experimental Results and Discussion
2.1 Design of the experiment (set-up, procedures, experimental details)
2.2 Presentation and Discussion of the reference spectra
2.3 Application of spectroscopy for isotope identification
Instructions
1. Experimental Set-up
 Connect the Scintillation Tube to the computer (USB port).
 Place an isotope (Na-22) in the experimental chamber in front of the Scintillation
Tube.
 Turn on the computer and start Maestro Program (multi-channel analyzer
emulation for nuclear spectroscopy).
 Turn on high voltage across the photomultiplier.
 Start collecting data (counts).
2. Energy Calibration
 You should see a strong line at 511.0 keV and one line at 1,274.5 keV.
 Continue collecting data until you are satisfied with the spectrum.
 Use the two lines to calibrate the channels.
 Safe the spectrum.
 You may also safe this result in a form useful for the report.
3. Data Collection
 Place the Co-60 source in front of the Scintillation Tube.
 Repeat procedures for Cs-137, Ba-133,
 Collect a spectrum and the unknown sample.
4. Analysis and Discussion
 Prepare graphs of the spectra for the Na-22, Co-60, Cs-137 and Ba-133 isotopes.
 Explain each spectrum. Identify peaks associated directly with the nuclear
reactions, and interpret other features (Compton scattering, backscattering, sum
peaks, …)
 Provide a convincing argument that supports your identification of the unknown
isotope.
Pictures of the experimental setup
gamma spectroscopy
samples
Maestro (turning on/off High Voltage)
Maestro (turning on/off High Voltage)
Maestro (channel calibration)