Efficiency calibration and self-attenuation correction in radioxenon measurement using β-γ coincidence method

Abstract

Measurement of the four radioxenon isotopes, namely ^131mXe, ^133mXe, ¹³³Xe, and ¹³⁵Xe, play a key role in underground nuclear test monitoring for ensuring compliance with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). To improve detection sensitivity, a β-γ coincidence technique is commonly used. Due to the presence of the gas matrix, such as stable xenon, nitrogen, helium, the self-attenuation effects should be taken into account when measuring different types of sample. In order to improve the accuracy of the measurement, the detection efficiencies of X-rays and γ-rays were derived by using a simulation gas calibration source with low density of sponge matrix. The detection efficiencies of β-particles and conversion electrons (CEs) were calibrated by measuring radioxenon sample. The self-attenuation correction factors of X-rays and γ-rays were determined by Geant4 simulation method. The self-attenuation correction factors of β-particles and CEs were provided by measuring the radioxenon samples with different volumes of xenon, nitrogen and helium.

Keywords: CTBT; Detection efficiency calibration; Radioxenon isotopes; Self-attenuation effects; β-γ coincidence.