• 분석과학
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• 제35권2호
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• pp.69-81
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• 2022

The method of measuring and classifying the energy category of neutrons directly using raw data acquired through a CZT detector is not satisfactory, in terms of accuracy and efficiency, because of its poor energy resolution and low measurement efficiency. Moreover, this method of measuring and analyzing the characteristics of low-energy or low-activity gamma-ray sources might be not accurate and efficient in the case of neutrons because of various factors, such as the noise of the CZT detector itself and the influence of environmental radiation. We have therefore developed an efficient method of analyzing radiation characteristics using a neutron and gamma-ray analysis algorithm for the rapid and clear identification of the type, energy, and radioactivity of gamma-ray sources as well as the detection and classification of the energy category (fast or thermal neutrons) of neutron sources, employing raw data acquired through a CZT detector. The neutron analysis algorithm is based on the fact that in the energy-spectrum channel of 558.6 keV emitted in the nuclear reaction ¹¹³Cd + ¹n → ¹¹⁴Cd + in the CZT detector, there is a notable difference in detection information between a CZT detector without a PE modulator and a CZT detector with a PE modulator, but there is no significant difference between the two detectors in other energy-spectrum channels. In addition, the gamma-ray analysis algorithm uses the difference in the detection information of the CZT detector between the unique characteristic energy-spectrum channel of a gamma-ray source and other channels. This efficient method of analyzing radiation characteristics is expected to be useful for the rapid radiation detection and accurate information collection on radiation sources, which are required to minimize radiation damage and manage accidents in national disaster situations, such as large-scale radioactivity leak accidents at nuclear power plants or nuclear material handling facilities.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제49권6호
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• pp.1354-1357
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• 2017

Characterization of special nuclear material may be performed using energy spectroscopy of either the neutron or gamma-ray emissions from the sample. Gamma-ray spectroscopy can be performed relatively easily using high-resolution semiconductors such as high-purity germanium. Neutron spectroscopy, by contrast, is a complex inverse problem. Here, results are presented for $^{252}Cf$ and PuBe energy spectra unfolded using a single EJ309 organic scintillator; excellent agreement is observed with the reference spectra. Neutron energy spectroscopy is also possible using a two-plane detector array, whereby time-of-flight kinematics can be used. With this system, energy spectra can also be obtained as a function of position. Spatial-dependent energy spectra are presented for neutron and gamma-ray sources that are in excellent agreement with expectations.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제55권11호
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• pp.4057-4065
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• 2023

Organic scintillators are widely used for neutron/gamma detection. Pulse shape discrimination algorithms have been commonly used to discriminate the detected radiations. These algorithms have several limits, in particular with plastic scintillator which has lower discrimination ability, compared to liquid scintillator. Recently, machine learning (ML) models have been explored to enhance discrimination performance. Nevertheless, obtaining an accurate ML model or evaluating any discrimination approach requires a reference neutron dataset. The preparation of this is challenging because neutron sources are also gamma-ray emitters. Therefore, this paper proposes a pipeline to prepare clean labeled neutron/gamma datasets acquired by an organic scintillator. The method is mainly based on a Time of Flight setup and Tail-to-Total integral ratio (TTT_ratio) discrimination algorithm. In the presented case, EJ276 plastic scintillator and ²⁵²Cf source were used to implement the acquisition chain. The results showed that this process can identify and remove mislabeled samples in the entire ToF spectrum, including those that contribute to peak values. Furthermore, the process cleans ToF dataset from pile-up events, which can significantly impact experimental results and the conclusions extracted from them.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제42권1호
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• pp.48-55
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• 2017

Background: Simultaneous detection of neutrons and gamma rays have become much more practicable, by taking advantage of good gamma-ray discrimination properties using pulse shape discrimination (PSD) technique. Recently, we introduced a commercial CLYC system in Korea, and performed an initial characterization and simulation studies for the CLYC detector system to provide references for the future implementation of the dual-mode scintillator system in various studies and applications. Materials and Methods: We evaluated a CLYC detector with 95% $^6Li$ enrichment using various gamma-ray sources and a $^{252}Cf$ neutron source, with validation of our Monte Carlo simulation results via measurement experiments. Absolute full-energy peak efficiency values were calculated for gamma-ray sources and neutron source using MCNP6 and compared with measurement experiments of the calibration sources. In addition, behavioral characteristics of neutrons were validated by comparing simulations and experiments on neutron moderation with various polyethylene (PE) moderator thicknesses. Results and Discussion: Both results showed good agreements in overall characteristics of the gamma and neutron detection efficiencies, with consistent ~20% discrepancy. Furthermore, moderation of neutrons emitted from $^{252}Cf$ showed similarities between the simulation and the experiment, in terms of their relative ratios depending on the thickness of the PE moderator. Conclusion: A CLYC detector system was characterized for its energy resolution and detection efficiency, and Monte Carlo simulations on the detector system was validated experimentally. Validation of the simulation results in overall trend of the CLYC detector behavior will provide the fundamental basis and validity of follow-up Monte Carlo simulation studies for the development of our dual-particle imager using a rotational modulation collimator.

• 방사성폐기물학회지
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.303-313
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• 2023

Spent fuels (SFs) are stored in a storage pool after discharge from nuclear power plants. They can be transferred to for the further processes such as dry storage sites, processing plants, or disposal sites. One of important measures of SF is the burnup. Since the radioactivity of SF is strongly dependent on its burnup, the burnup of SF should be well estimated for the safe management, storage, and final disposal. Published papers about the methodology for the burnup estimation from the known activities of important radioactive sources are somewhat rare. In this study, we analyzed the dependency of the burnup on the important radiation source activities using ORIGEN-ARP, and suggested simple correlations that relate the burnup and the important source activities directly. A burnup estimation equation is suggested for PWR fuels relating burnup with total neutron source intensity (TNSI), initial enrichment, and cooling time. And three burnup estimation equations for major gamma sources, ¹³⁷Cs, ¹³⁴Cs, and ¹⁵⁴Eu are also suggested.

• 방사성폐기물학회지
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• 제2권2호
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• pp.97-104
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• 2004

NIPS 시스템은 중성자 핵반응 결과 방출되는 즉발 감마선을 정량적으로 측정하는 장치이며 고체 및 액체 폐기물 중 존재하는 다양한 원소를 비파괴적으로 분석할 수 있는 장점이 있다. 본 연구에서는 NIPS 시스템에 이용된 고순도반도체 검출기의 계측효율을 $^{l33}$Ba 및 $^{152}$Eu 방사성 동위원소 선원과 $^{35}$ Cl(n, ${\gamma}$)$^{36}$ Cl 핵반응 시 발생되는 즉발감마선을 이용하여 80 keV에서 8 MeV까지 넓은 영역에 대하여 구하였다. $^{35}$ Cl(n, ${\gamma}$)$^{36}$ Cl 핵반응을 이용한 고에너지 감마선의 계측효율은 즉발감마선의 방사능 값을 정확히 알 수 없기 때문에 저 에너지 영역에서 정확히 알고 있는 검출기 효율곡선에 규격화시켜 전 에너지 영역에서의 효율보정곡선을 구하였다. 또한 KCl 표준용액에 $^{252}$ Cf 중성자 선원을 조사시켜 표준용액으로부터 방출되는 즉발 감마선을 고순도반도체 검출기로 측정하고 광대역 계측효율 곡선을 이용하여 수용액 시료에서의 평균 열중성자 속을 예측하였다. NIPS 측정시스템은 주변 재료 물질의 핵반응으로 방출되는 감마선 background를 줄이기 위해 두 개의 고순도반도체 검출기를 이용한 동시계수 장치가 고안되었으며, 동시계수 모드에서의 계측효율도 함께 고려되었으며, 표준선원을 이용하여 전 계수 또는 동시계수모드에서의 background에 대한 측정감도를 비교하였다.다.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제53권11호
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• pp.3816-3823
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• 2021

The mechanical features evaluated theoretically using Makishima-Mackenzie's model for glasses xBaO-(50-x) PbO-50P₂O₅ where x = 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mol%. Wherefore, the elastic characteristics; Young's, bulk, shear, and longitudinal modulus calculated. The obtained result showed an increase in the calculated values of elastic moduli with the replacement of the PbO by BaO contents. Moreover, the Poisson ratio, micro-hardness, and the softening temperature calculated for the investigated glasses. Besides, gamma and neutron shielding ability evaluated for the barium doped lead phosphate glasses. Monte Caro code (MCNP-5) and the Phy-X/PSD program applied to estimate the mass attenuation coefficient of the studied glasses. The decrease in the PbO ratio has a negative effect on the MAC. The highest MAC decreased from 65.896 cm²/g to 32.711 cm²/g at 0.015 MeV for BPP0 and BPP7, respectively. The calculated values of EBF and EABF showed that replacement of PbO with BaO contents in the studied BPP glasses helps to reduce the number of photons accumulated inside the studied BPP glasses.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제53권11호
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• pp.3784-3789
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• 2021

We report a simple technique for direct neutron spectroscopy using pure LaCl₃ crystals. Pure LaCl₃ crystals exhibit considerably better pulse shape discrimination (PSD) capabilities with relatively good energy resolution as compared with Ce-doped LaCl₃ crystals. Single crystals of pure and Ce-doped LaCl₃ were grown using an inhouse-developed Bridgman furnace. PSD capabilities of these crystals were investigated using ²⁴¹Am and ¹³⁷Cs sources. Fast neutron detection was tested using a²⁵²Cf source and three separate bands corresponding to electron, proton, and alpha were observed. The proton band induced by the ³⁵Cl(n,p)³⁵S reaction can be used for direct neutron spectroscopy because proton energy is proportional to incident neutron energy. Owing to good scintillation performance and excellent PSD capabilities, pure LaCl₃ is a promising candidate for space detectors and other applications that necessitate gamma/fast neutron discrimination capability.

• 분석과학
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• 제5권4호
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• pp.367-372
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• 1992

방사선 중성자 선원의 에너지 스펙트럼을 측정하기 위하여 액체 섬광 검출기(NE213)와 펄스모형 분리장치를 감마선 선원과 중성자 선원을 이용하여 그 감응 특성을 분석하였다. Am-Be 선원을 이용하여 이 장치에 대한 "Figure of Merit"을 측정한 결과 1.13 이었다. 이 값은 단색 에너지 중성자 선원인 $^{12}C(d,\;n)^{13}N$에서의 1.3 과 상당히 유사한 값을 보여 준다. NE213-PSD 장치의 성능 시험을 위한 이 실험결과는 중성자-감마 혼합 방사선장에서 스펙트럼의 측정과 중성자 에너지 스펙트럼과 속밀도 측정표준을 확립하는 데 기술적으로 유용하게 쓰일 것이다.

• 한국표면공학회지
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.84-93
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• 2023

The spent nuclear fuel is burned during the planned cycle in the plant and then generates elements such as actinide series, fission products, and plutonium with a long half-life. An 'interim storage' step is needed to manage the high radioactivity and heat emitted by nuclides until permanent-disposal. In the case of Korea, there is no space to dispose of high-level radioactive waste after use, so there is a need for a period of time using interim storage. Therefore, the intensity of neutrons and gamma-ray must be determined to ensure the integrity of spent nuclear fuel during interim storage. In particular, the most important thing in spent nuclear fuel is burnup evaluation, estimation of the source term of neutrons and gamma-ray is regarded as a reference measurement of the burnup evaluation. In this study, an analysis of spent nuclear fuel was conducted by setting up a virtual fuel burnup case based on CE16×16 fuel to check the total amount and spectrum of neutron, gamma radiation produced. The correlation between BU (burnup), IE (enrichment), and CT (cooling time) will be identified through spent nuclear fuel burnup calculation. In addition, the composition of nuclide inventory, actinide and fission products can be identified.