A beta–gamma radioxenon detection system using PIPS and CZT-Array

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section A, Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment Accelerators, spectrometers, detectors and associated equipment, 2022-05, Vol.1031, p.166587, Article 166587
• Main Authors: Fan, Yuanqing, Ai, Xianyun, Wang, Shilian, Li, Qi, Wang, Ying, Chang, Yinzhong, Zhao, Yungang, Zhang, Xinjun, Jia, Huaimao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beta–gamma coincidence; CTBT; CZT; MDA; PIPS; Radioxenon
• ISSN: 0168-9002; 1872-9576
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2022.166587

Radioxenon monitoring is one of the important methods used by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) to detect a clandestine nuclear weapon test. Many radioxenon detection systems have been developed in the past few decades. The disadvantages such as bad energy resolution, memory effect, and large size influence the performance of these systems. This work introduces a new detection system that utilizes a PIPSCell and two CZT-Arrays for radioxenon monitoring. Signals from ten detectors are processed and coincidence events are identified via the electronics based on time-stamped list mode. This compact system has good radiation detection resolution at room temperature and high detection sensitivity for both electron and gamma-ray. Preliminary 137Cs and 131mXe are used to calibrate the energy and efficiency of the system. Combined with the simulation results the minimum detection activity of four radioxenon were assessed. •A beta–gamma radioxenon detection system based on PIPSCell and CZT-Arrays has been developed.•Reference samples of 131mXe is prepared and used to calibrate the system.•A coincidence efficiency of 6.32±0.50% for 131mXe is obtained.•MDA of 1.5 mBq for 131mXe is obtained after a 3day background measurement.