Abstract: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recently commissioned a new shallow underground laboratory, located at a depth of approximately 30 meters water-equivalent. This new addition to the small class of radiation measurement laboratories located at modest underground depths worldwide houses the latest generation of custom-made, high-efficiency, low-background gamma-ray spectrometers and gas proportional counters. This manuscript describes the unique capabilities present in the shallow underground laboratory; these include large-scale ultra-pure materials production and a suite of radiation detection systems. Reported data characterize the degree of background reduction achieved through a combination of underground location, graded shielding, and rejection of cosmic-ray events. We conclude by presenting measurement targets and future opportunities.
Revised: November 12, 2012 |
Published: November 8, 2012
Citation
Aalseth C.E., R. Bonicalzi, M.G. Cantaloub, A.R. Day, L.E. Erikson, J.E. Fast, and J.B. Forrester, et al. 2012.A Shallow Underground Laboratory for Low-Background Radiation Measurements and Materials Development.Review of Scientific Instruments 83, no. 11:Article No. 113503.PNNL-SA-89084.doi:10.1063/1.4761923