An Alpha imaging detector for on-site measurement of Plutonium and Neptunium

Morishita, Yuki; DiPrete, D. P.*; Deason, T.*; Nagaishi, Ryuji

Radiation Measurements, 181, p.107366_1 - 107366_8, 2025/02

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radmeas.2024.107366

Nuclear fuel materials such as Plutonium (Pu) and Neptunium (Np) are produced as by-products of reprocessing operations, necessitating precise understanding of their contamination distribution within controlled areas for radiation protection. This study presents the development and application of an alpha particle imaging detector for on-site detection of Pu and Np contamination. The detector's performance was evaluated using various alpha sources, demonstrating promising energy resolution and spatial resolution. Subsequently, Pu and Np oxide samples were measured at the Savannah River National Laboratory, showing the detector's effectiveness in on-site applications. The detector enabled simultaneous measurement of radioactivity and energy spectrum of individual particles, facilitating rapid discrimination between Pu and Np. The imaging detector has potential for enhancing on-site detection of alpha nuclides in nuclear facilities, aiding in decontamination efforts and environmental monitoring.