A shallow underground laboratory for low-background radiation measurements and materials development

• Published in: Review of scientific instruments 2012-11, Vol.83 (11)
• Main Authors: Aalseth, C. E., Bonicalzi, R. M., Cantaloub, M. G., Day, A. R., Erikson, L. E., Fast, J., Forrester, J. B., Fuller, E. S., Glasgow, B. D., Greenwood, L. R., Hoppe, E. W., Hossbach, T. W., Hyronimus, B. J., Keillor, M. E., Mace, E. K., McIntyre, J. I., Merriman, J. H., Myers, A. W., Overman, C. T., Overman, N. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: BACKGROUND RADIATION; COSMIC RADIATION; EFFICIENCY; GAMMA SPECTROMETERS; INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY; PROPORTIONAL COUNTERS; RADIATION DETECTION; SHIELDING; UNDERGROUND
• ISSN: 0034-6748; 1089-7623
• DOI: 10.1063/1.4761923

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recently commissioned a new shallow underground laboratory, located at a depth of approximately 30 meters-water-equivalent. This new addition to the small class of radiation measurement laboratories located at modest underground depths houses the latest generation of custom-made, high-efficiency, low-background gamma-ray spectrometers and gas proportional counters. This paper describes the unique capabilities present in the shallow underground laboratory; these include large-scale ultra-pure materials production and a suite of radiation detection systems. Reported data characterize the degree of background reduction achieved through a combination of underground location, graded shielding, and rejection of cosmic-ray events. We conclude by presenting measurement targets and future opportunities.