Comparison of background in underground HPGe-detectors in different lead shield configurations

Abstract

In underground HPGe-detector systems where the cosmic ray induced background is low, it is often difficult to assess the location of background sources. In this study, background counting rates of different HPGe-detectors in different lead shields are reported with the aim of better understanding background sources. To further enhance the understanding of the variations of environmental parameters, the background as a function of time over a long period was also studied.

Keywords: Activation; Background; HPGe-detector; Radioactivity; Underground laboratory.