Proton energy determination using activated yttrium foils and ionization chambers for activity assay

✍ Scribed by M.A. Avila-Rodriguez; J. Rajander; J.-O. Lill; K. Gagnon; J. Schlesinger; J.S. Wilson; S.A. McQuarrie; O. Solin

• Book ID: 103863391
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 473 KB
• Volume: 267
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0168-583X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nimb.2009.02.064

✦ Synopsis

Excitation functions of the 89 Y(p, xn) nuclear reactions were measured up to 18 MeV by the conventional activation method using the stacked-foil technique, and the irradiation of single foils. Activity assays of the irradiated foils were performed via ionization chamber and gamma spectroscopy methods. Activity ratios of the activation products were measured in two different facilities and evaluated for use as a practical and simple method for proton energy determinations. Cross section values measured in this work were compared with published data and with theoretical values as determined by the nuclear reaction model code EMPIRE II. In general, there was a good agreement between the experimental and theoretical values of the cross section data. Activity ratios of the isomeric and ground state of 89 Zr measured via ionization chamber were found to be useful for proton energy determinations in the energy range from 7 to 15 MeV. Proton energies above 13 MeV were accurately determined using the 89g Zr/ 88 Zr and 89g Zr/ 88 Y activity ratios measured via gamma spectroscopy.