Decay chains and photofission investigation based on nuclear spectroscopy of highly enriched uranium sample

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes 2013-12, Vol.82, p.170-174
• Main Authors: Sibczynski, P., Kownacki, J., Syntfeld-Kazuch, A., Moszynski, M., Kisielinski, M., Czarnacki, W., Kosinski, K., Matusiak, M., Klimasz, M., Kowalczyk, M., Abraham, T., Mierzejewski, J., Srebrny, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Detection of concealed nuclear materials; Gamma ray spectroscopy; Highly enriched uranium; Photofission; Radioactive chain
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2013.08.005

Nuclear spectroscopy experiments were performed for 100g metallic uranium rod enriched to 93% 235U, in order to establish and characterize the most prominent γ-rays in the natural decay series and photofission reaction. Single γ-ray spectra and γ–γ coincidences measurements were conducted before irradiation. The uranium sample was subsequently irradiated with 15MeV bremsstrahlung photons. Relative intensities of γ-lines and several values of half-lives of the fission fragments decays were determined. The obtained information can be utilized in detection of smuggled nuclear materials and characterization of bulky nuclear waste packages. •The γ-lines in the natural decay series and photofission of highly enriched uranium were studied.•Single γ-ray spectra, γ–γ coincidences and photofission of uranium were investigated.•High-energy γ lines were identified as indicators of the presence of a uranium.•Enrichment of a U sample was roughly estimated.