The Novelty
In an attempt to improve the efficiency of the cerium doped lanthanum (III) bromide (LaBr3(Ce)) detector, this study, for the first time, showcased the decoupling activities of thallium-207, polonium-211, polonium-215, francium-223, and actinium-227. It provided a complete picture of the detector’s intrinsic background through the α- and β-decay chain. This resulted from conducting a coincidence measurement using a Clover detector to identify the internal radioactive isotopes of the Ø3”×3” Saint-Gobain B380 detector. The combination of coincidence spectra with Geant4 simulations allowed the determination of accurate lanthanum-138, bismuth-211, radon-219, radium-223, and thorium-227 activities. Therefore, the findings of this study ultimately provided insights into the radioactive contaminants present in the detector and its influences on the detection sensitivity.
The Background
The LaBr3(Ce) crystal is a new inorganic scintillator that is ideal for being widely used in environmental monitoring, oil well logging, nuclear safeguards, and medical imaging. Its superior characteristics in terms of density, light output, temperature response, and decay time make it a favorable substitute for the widely used thallium doped sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) when high performance is required. However, the LaBr3(Ce) detector is also known to have a relatively high intrinsic background radiation due to lanthanum-138 and actinium-227 impurities. As a result, it limits the application of this detector, especially in low-count rate experiments. Therefore, this study is crucial to understand and enhance the performance of the LaBr3(Ce) detector as well as maximize its potential across various fields.
The SDG Impact
Innovation and technological advancement are known to be the key drivers of growth, whether it involves societal, economic, or environmental well-being. By encouraging new or improved technologies through research and development, as projected in UNSDG 9: Industries, Innovation and Infrastructure, a significant influence on global resource management, international trades, economic development, etc. would be feasible. Hence, the aim of this study, which is to improve the efficiency of the LaBr3(Ce) detector, is a step towards adopting innovation to overcome the limitations of existing technologies. The findings could be used to provide important parameters when laboratory-based systems are employed under open field environment. Thus, it will improve the on-field application of the scintillating material in terms of addressing radioactive contaminations or for medical purposes.
Graphical Abstract & Figures
