Comparison of LaBr3:Ce and CeBr3 scintillators for 55Fe detection

초록

The detection capability for 55Fe was compared using 1 × 1″ LaBr3:Ce and CeBr3 scintillators. To enable low-energy X-ray measurements, the top of the scintillator housing was modified with a beryllium window, allowing the detection of a 5.9 keV peak, verified through comparison with the intrinsic background spectrum. This peak was also observed in simultaneous measurements with 137Cs and 60Co. Detection capabilities were further evaluated using the significance method and minimum detectable activity analysis. Consequently, LaBr3:Ce exhibited faster detection of the 5.9 keV peak and higher detection efficiency compared to CeBr3. Even when the influence of 138La decay was excluded, LaBr3:Ce outperformed CeBr3 under multi-source conditions. However, its intrinsic background resulted in a higher minimum detectable activity, rendering it less sensitive than CeBr3 for radioactivity measurement. © 2025 Korean Nuclear Society

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