Evaluation of the distribution accuracy of radioactivity from a gamma-ray source using an omnidirectional detector for radiation imaging with fractal geometry

Sasaki, Miyuki; Abe, Yuki*; Sanada, Yukihisa; Torii, Tatsuo*

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 1072, p.170207_1 - 170207_12, 2025/03

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2025.170207

We have developed an omnidirectional radiation imager with fractal geometry named the FRIE system. This paper presents the development and evaluation of the FRIE system, designed to accurately estimate radioactivity distribution within decommissioning environments, such as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. The FRIE system is a unit of tetrahedral radiation sensors; 16 sensors are arranged in a Sierpinski tetrahedron shape, and the space between the sensors is filled with tungsten-based alloy for radiation shielding. This study assessed the performance of the FRIE system in estimating radiation distribution through simulations and actual measurement tests. From the results of the simulations and experimental data, it was confirmed that by maintaining a measurement density of at least 2 points/m, limiting the positional error to within 10 cm, and the angular error to within 10 degrees, it is possible to estimate the source location with an angular resolution of approximately 30 degrees. Future improvements in the arrangement of the FRIE system's crystals and shielding should enhance the performance metrics. This research signifies a pioneering implementation of fractal-based radiation imaging technology, offering a new direction in radiation measurement.

Remote alpha/beta measurement system with support vector machine algorithm

Morishita, Yuki; Miyamura, Hiroko; Sato, Yuki; Matsubara, Jun*; Sumali, B.*; Mitsukura, Yasue*

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, p.170368_1 - 170368_16, 2025/03

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2025.170368

Decommissioning nuclear reactor sites presents challenges due to the presence of various radionuclides, including alpha emitters (e.g., Pu, Am, Cm) and beta emitters (e.g., Cs, Sr-Y), which pose significant internal exposure risks to workers. Traditional measurement methods require multiple instruments and are time-consuming, particularly in high gamma-ray environments. To address these issues, we developed a remote alpha and beta discrimination measurement system that integrates a stilbene scintillator detector with a silicon photomultiplier, enabling simultaneous detection of both alpha and beta particles. This study further incorporates machine learning techniques, specifically Support Vector Machines (SVM), for automatic discrimination, eliminating the need for user-defined thresholds and ensuring consistent operational conditions. The system was tested with known radiation sources, demonstrating over 96% classification accuracy for alpha and beta particles. Measurements conducted in motion effectively identified contamination sources, confirming the system's capability for real-time analysis. This innovative approach enhances radiation safety and efficiency in nuclear decommissioning operations, making it particularly beneficial in environments where human access is limited.

In-situ detection of high-energy beta ray emitter Sr/Y inside the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Unit 3 reactor building using a liquid light guide Cherenkov counter

Terasaka, Yuta; Sato, Yuki; Furuta, Yoshihiro*; Kubo, Shin*; Ichiba, Yuta*

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 1070, Part 2 , p.170021_1 - 170021_9, 2025/01

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.170021

In-situ measurement of radiation driven back-conversion from para to ortho liquid hydrogen state in cold moderators at J-PARC

Teshigawara, Makoto; Lee, Y.*; Tatsumoto, Hideki*; Hartl, M.*; Aso, Tomokazu; Iverson, E. B.*; Ariyoshi, Gen; Ikeda, Yujiro*; Hasegawa, Takumi*

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, 557, p.165534_1 - 165534_10, 2024/12

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2024.165534

At Japanese Spallation Neutron Source in J-PARC, the para-hydrogen fraction was measured by using Raman spectroscopy in-situ for an integrated beam power of 9.4 MWh at 1 MW operation, to evaluate the functionality of the ferric oxyhydroxide catalyst. This result showed that full functionality of the catalyst was retained up to the 1 MW operation. We attempted to study the effect of neutron scattering driven para to ortho-hydrogen back-conversion rate in the absence of the catalyst effect with a bypass line without catalyst. The measured increase of ortho-hydrogen fraction was 0.44% for an integrated beam power of 2.4 MWh at 500 kW operation, however, which was considered to be due to not only to neutron collisions in cold moderators but also to the high ortho-hydrogen fraction of initially static liquid hydrogen in the bypass line and passive exudation of quasi-static hydrogen in the catalyst vessel to the main loop.

Validation of crystal surface scattering method for downsizing accelerator mass spectrometry

Jinno, Satoshi; Matsubara, Akihiro*; Fujita, Natsuko; Kimura, Kenji

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, 557, p.165545_1 - 165545_4, 2024/12

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2024.165545

This study introduces the development of a downsized Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) system aiming to enhance accessibility and cost-effectiveness in radiocarbon analysis. The "crystal surface stripper method" is introduced as a solution to challenges in AMS downsizing, demonstrating effective ion detection with a smaller angular spread compared to conventional gas stripper methods. The experimental results provide insights into charge conversion capabilities, scattering angle broadening, and energy loss associated with surface scattering.

Characterization of mineral composition using PIXE and EXAFS analyses to elucidate the Barium adsorption mechanism

Oguri, Kaori; Hagura, Naoto*; Yamaguchi, Akiko; Okumura, Masahiko; Matsuura, Haruaki*; Tsunashima, Yasumichi; Aoki, Katsumi; Arai, Yoichi; Watanabe, So

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, 556, p.165516_1 - 165516_8, 2024/11

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2024.165516

Ningyo-toge is the uranium mine that has been operated in Japan. Various radioactive elements such as Uranium (U), and Radium (Ra) are still present in the mine ground water with very small amount, and behavior of those elements is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the composition of metal oxides and clay minerals in a soil of slag deposit at the mine, and systematics of adsorption structure of various ions were examined. Identifying the composition and chemical forms of minerals present in the soil of slag can provide useful information for the safety assessment and evaluation of influence on the surrounding environment.

Cathode shape dependence of gas ionization chamber on electron collection in - telescope ERDA

Harayama, Isao; Hirose, Yasushi*; Sekiba, Daiichiro*

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, 554, p.165435_1 - 165435_6, 2024/09

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2024.165435

- telescope elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) is a helpful ion beam analysis (IBA) technique for the absolute quantification of multiple light elements in thin films. We have developed a compact - telescope ERDA system to estimate a composition ratio of oxygen and nitrogen in metal oxynitride thin films. Our - telescope ERDA system employs a gas ionization chamber (GIC), which consisted of a U-shaped cathode, while a planar shaped cathode is widely utilized for GICs. The shape of U-shaped cathode is useful to downsize the GIC. The difference of performance between the U-shaped and planar shaped cathodes, however, has not been studied well, yet. In this study, we quantitatively evaluated the influence using the U-shaped cathode on - telescope ERDA. In order to compare the performance of the U-shaped and planar shaped cathode, we measured SrTiO bulk samples as a standard with them. There is no significant difference between the two cathodes from the viewpoint of O recoil yields. These results show that the U-shaped cathode can also be used safely for - telescope ERDA, and that GICs have a flexibility in the electrode shape, which is useful to make GICs more compact.

Adsorption mechanism of Eu onto newly synthesized fluorous-compound-impregnating adsorbent

Arai, Yoichi; Watanabe, So; Watanabe, Masayuki; Arai, Tsuyoshi*; Katsuki, Kenta*; Agou, Tomohiro*; Fujikawa, Hisaharu*; Takeda, Keisuke*; Fukumoto, Hiroki*; Hoshina, Hiroyuki*; et al.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research B, 554, p.165448_1 - 165448_10, 2024/09

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2024.165448

Measurement of the response of a Li-glass detector to gamma rays by a coincidence method

Ito, Fumiaki*; Lee, J.; Hironaka, Kota; Takahashi, Tone; Suzuki, Satoshi*; Mochimaru, Takanori*; Hori, Junichi*; Terada, Kazushi*; Koizumi, Mitsuo

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 1064, p.169465_1 - 169465_9, 2024/07

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.169465

Pushing the high count rate limits of scintillation detectors for challenging neutron-capture experiments

Balibrea-Correa, J.*; Kimura, Atsushi; 133of others*

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research A, 1064, p.169385_1 - 169385_13, 2024/07

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nima.2024.169385