Date of Award

3-9-2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Engineering Physics

First Advisor

Larry W. Burggraf, PhD

Abstract

Current operational needs require the deployment of radiation detection equipment with the ability to accurately and reliably identify special nuclear materials and their byproducts without dependence on cryogenics. This requires a resolution of 0.5% or less over a range of 200 to 700 keV. The feasibility of a Compton spectrometer to achieve this resolution is examined. The Compton spectrometer system used consists of two detectors. The Compton scatter event occurs in a CdTe detector where the Compton electron energy is collected. Gamma rays scattered out of the CdTe at an angle determined by a conical collimator, are collected in a NaI(Tl) detector. Coincidence electronics determine correlated events and allow the Compton electron and scattered gamma ray energy spectra to be collected. Experimental and modeling techniques are used to evaluate the system's resolution and efficiency and provided reasonable agreement. Expected experimental results based on previous work were not reproduced and the source of the difference remains unknown. Results suggested strict requirements of collimation will make some low areal count rate applications impossible.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GNE-ENP-05-12

DTIC Accession Number

ADA438094

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