GM
GM
This is the second revised experimental manual for a product which is manufactured and fully
supported in all respects. Nucleonix Systems supplied instrumentation for studies in Physics
provides an experimental manual of this nature to enable university faculty to utilize the equipment
both for teaching and research labs.
Considerable efforts have been put in preparing the manuscript for this experimental manual.
Editors have gone through this and reviewed the manuscript thoroughly and made corrections.
However if there are any errors or omissions, you are requested to write to us.
There may be still scope to add a few experiments to this manual. We welcome feedback on
new additions to this, from professors and others from scientific community. We may include
such additional experiments in future editions, if found suitable.
This manual on 'Experiments with G.M. counter' has been written to include the important
information such as basic definitions on radiation units and fundamentals of Nuclear & Radiation
Physics, general information on G.M. Tubes and their characteristics, working principle and a
list of G.M. Detector experiments which illustrate some of the important fundamentals of Nuclear
Radiation & its characteristics.
There is also condensed information provided on various G.M. Counting System models
along with accessories, which will help in having better understanding while going through this
experimental manual. Of course, for more detailed information one can go through counting
system user manual, for operation and commands description.
Additionally, basic calculation procedure on activity and dose rate as on a given date by knowing
the activity on the date of manufacture of source are also given in this manual.
Apart from understanding the Physics principles by doing these experiments, one will also know
that there are quite a few Engineering and Industrial applications where nuclear techniques are
employed using nuclear radiation detectors such as G.M. Detectors and NaI Scintillation
detectors. Typically applications are given below :
(i)
(ii)
Nucleonix level gauging in steel and cement Industries using G.M. detector and a radiation
source.
Gamma column scanning in petrochemical industries using NaI Scintillation detector based
system and other applications include detection of Liquid fill, height for beverages, soups,
pharmaceutical products, baby foods, Match boxes, yogurt cartons etc, for sorting or
counting items, in a process or pharmaceutical industry.
Two experiments Sl.No. C(9) and (10) included in this manual illustrate engineering and industrial
applications.
These experiments Sl.No. (9) and (10) when demonstrated to Engineering students will illustrate
the possible real time applications and scope of nuclear techniques for industrial and engineering
applications.
These experiments will be of interest to Engineering stream students in their Engineering Physics/
Instrumentation labs. It may be noted that some of NITs, IITs and Technological universities have
included G.M. counter experiments, in Engineering physics labs. Editorial board is of the
opinion that when these physics experiments are done for Engineering streams, emphasis should
be with Engineering applications to the particular branch/ stream, so that the student appreciates
and understands the application well.
In this second revised edition two new experiments Sl.No (6) and (7) have been added which
are primarily to cover Backscattering of Beta particles and Production and Attenuation of
Bremsstrahlung.
We also thank all our staff at NUCLEONIX SYSTEMS who have helped us in preparing this
manuscript for releasing to Press.
Finally, Editors will be happy if this manual has served the purpose for which it is written. Efforts
will go on continuously to improve on this in the next edition. Suggestions and feedback are
welcome from all concerned with this subject.
J. Narender Reddy
Dr. M.S.R. Murty
Editors
TYPE
1.
2.
3.
SG200
SK210
4.
5.
SB201
Sr-90
6.
LS240
7.
AA270
8.
9.
AS272
10. Cs-137/Ba-137m isotope generator or Indium foil and Neutron Howitzer (for generating
short lived isotope)
CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION
A
PAGE NO.
GENERAL
(i)
01-05
(ii)
Important definitions
06-08
09-12
(iv)
13-14
1.
15-17
2.
18-21
3.
22-29
4.
30-32
5.
33-37
6.
38-40
7.
41-42
8.
43-45
9.
10. Beam interruption detection system to check packs for content level, or
counting of individual items.
46-47
48-49
A.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The capacitance of a G.M. Tube is that between anode and cathode, ignoring the
capacitive effects of general connections.
OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS:
Plateau:
This is the section of the GM characteristic curve constructed with counting rate versus
applied voltage (With constant irradiation) over which the counting rate is substantially
independent of the applied voltage. Unless otherwise stated, the plateau is measured at a
counting rate of a approximately 100 counts.
Plateau length :
This is the range of applied voltage over which the plateau region extends. See Fig. 4.
Plateau Slope:
This is the change in counting rate over the plateau length, expressed in % per volt See Fig.
4.
Background : (BG)
This is the counting rate measured in the absence of the radiation source. The BG is due to
cosmic rays and any active sources in the experimental room.
NOTES :
Dead Time (Td):
This is the time interval, after the initiation of a discharge resulting in a normal pulse, during
which the G.M.Tube is insensitive to further ionizing events. See Fig.5.
Anode resistor :
Normally the tube should be operated with an anode resistor of the value indicated in the
measuring circuit, or higher. Decreasing the value of the anode resistor not only decreases
the dead time but also the plateau length. A decrease in resistance below the limiting value
may affect tube life and lead to its early destruction.
The anode resistor should be connected directly to the anode connector of the tube to
ensure that parasitic capacitances of leads will not excessively increase the capacitive
load on the tube. An increase in capacitive load may increase the pulse amplitude, the
pulse duration, the dead time and plateau slope. In addition the plateau will be shortened
appreciably. Shunt capacitances as high as 20 pF may destroy the tube, but lower values
are also dangerous.
Background:
The most important sources of background count are:
a. Gamma radiation from the environment and from cosmic radiation.
b. Mesons from cosmic radiation
c. Beta particles from contamination and impurities of the materials from which the detector
itself is made.
d. Spontaneous discharge or pulses in the detector and the counting circuit that do not
originate from radiation (Electronic noise).
From published experimental data, the gamma contribution accounts for approximately
70% of the background and a further 25% (approximately) is due to cosmic mesons. For
the majority of G.M. tube applications, the background may be reduced to an acceptable
level by shielding the tube with lead or steel. Thus most of the gamma contribution is
eliminated. The values given in the data in count per minute are derived from averages over
a long duration.
LIFE:
Storage life:
If stored in a cool dry place, free form continuous or severe vibration, there is hardly any
deterioration in the tube's characteristics. A storage life of years is not unusual.
Warning:
Generally, life end of a G.M. tube is indicated by an increasing slope and a shorter plateau.
For older tubes, operation is recommended at the first third of the plateau.
Operational life:
The operational life of a G.M. Tube is expressed in counts (discharge). Theoretically the
quenching gas, ionized during a discharge, should be re-combined between discharges.
However, minute quantities will be chemically bound, no longer taking part in the quenching
process. This will lead to a gradual reduction of the plateau length and for a given working
voltage to an increased counting rate. This will culminate in a continuous state of discharge
of the tube rendering it useless.
Apart from the accumulated number of counts registered the ambient temperature during
o
operation is of prime importance to the life of the tube. At temperature above 50 C, changes
in the gas mixture may occur, possibly reducing the total number of counts attainable. Short
o
periods of operation (not exceeding 1h) up to approximately 70 C should not prove harmful,
but life will progressively decrease with increasing temperature.
Thus, depending on application and circumstances, the quenching gas could be exhausted
in as little as a few hours or theoretically last for many years.
For these reasons G.M. Tubes cannot be guaranteed unconditionally for a specified period
of time.
IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS
Absorbed dose : The energy transferred to a material by ionising radiation per unit mass
of the material.
Unit : J kg-1; Name of unit : Gray (see also Rad)
Alpha decay : Alpha particles consist of two protons and two neutrons bound together
into a particle identical to a helium nucleus. They are generally produced in the process of
alpha decay, but may also be produced in other ways. Alpha particles are named after the
first letter in the Greek alphabet, .
A radioactive conversion accompanied by the emission of an alpha particle. In alpha decay
the atomic number is reduced by 2 and the mass number by 4. Alpha decay occurs, with a
few exceptions, only for nuclides with a proton number exceeding 82.
Alpha radiation : Radiation that consists of high energy helium (4He) nuclei emitted during
alpha disintegration of atomic nuclei. Alpha particles possess discrete initial energies (line
spectra) which are characteristic of the emitting nuclide.
=
=
=
=
=
27 pCi
27 nCi
27 Ci
27 mCi
27 Ci
Beta decay : Radioactive conversion accompanied by the emission of a beta particle, i.e.
a negatively charged electron (- decay) or a positively charged electron (+ decay). When
a negatively charged electron is emitted, a neutron in the atomic nucleus is converted to a
proton with the simultaneous emission of an antineutrino, so that the proton number Z is
increased by 1. When a positively charged electron (positron) is emitted, a proton in the
nucleus is converted to a neutron with simultaneous emission of a neutrino, so that the
proton number Z is decreased by 1.
Beta Radiation : Radiation that consists of negative or positive electrons which are emitted
from nuclei undergoing decay. Since the decay energy (or, if it is followed by gamma radiation,
the decay energy less that photons energy) is statistically divided between beta particles
and neutrinos (or antineutrinos), the energy spectrum of beta radiation is continuous,
extending from zero to a maximum value characteristic of the nuclide concerned. The
maximum beta energy is generally termed the beta end-point energy of the nuclide.
6
=
=
=
=
=
37 GBq
37 MBq
37 kBq
37 Bq
37 mBq
Dose equivalent : A term used in radiation protection for the radiation dose. It is the product
of absorbed dose times the quality factor.
Unit : J kg-1; Name of unit: Sievert (see also Rem)
Exposure dose: The ratio of the amount of electric charge of the ions of one polarity that
are formed in air by ionising radiation and the mass of the air.
Unit : C. kg-1 (see also Roentgen)
Half-thickness: The thickness of material layer that reduces the intensity of initial radiation
by a factor of two.
Isotopes: Nuclides with the same atomic number but different atomic weights (Mass
numbers).
Mass per unit area: Product of the density of a material and its thickness.
Nuclide : Generic term for neutral atoms that are characterized by a specific number of
neutrons N and protons Z in the nucleus.
Quality factor : A factor which in radiation, protection allows for the effects of different
types of radiations and energies on people.
Radioactivity : The property which certain nuclides have of emitting radiation as a result of
spontaneous transitions in their nuclei.
Rem (rem) : (Roentgen equivalent man). Name for a derived unit of dose equivalent; a
measure of the biological effect of radiation.
1 rem = 10-2 J. kg-1 = 10 mSv
Fig : G.M. Counting System GC601A Front & Rear panel view
Geiger Counting system type GC602A is an Advanced Technology based versatile integral
counting system designed around eight bit microcontroller chip. This system is highly
recommended for research work, apart from its usefulness in the academic fields for teaching.
This system along with wide end window G.M. Tube Type GM125 and Lead Castle will serve as
an excellent Beta Counting System useful for swipe sample counting by Health Physics Labs.
This counting system is useful for carrying out a number of Nuclear Physics experiments.
Fig : G.M. Counting System GC602A Front & Rear panel view
10
Description : The absorber/scatterer set consists of 15 Aluminium foils, the thickness of each
foil being 0.05 mm. For increasing the thickness of the scatterer, the required number of
aluminium foils are to be stacked together and put in the frame provided.
ABSORBER SET [TYPE: AS 273] (For Production and Attenuation of Bremsstrahlung
Experiment)
Description : The absorber set consists of the following combination of materials:
Aluminium (0.7 mm thickness) & Perspex (1.8 mm thickness)
Perspex (1.8 mm thickness) & Copper (0.3 mm thickness)
Aluminium (0.7 mm thickness) & Copper (0.3 mm thickness)
12
=
=
A0 e-t
A0 e-(0.693/ T1/2) t
A
A0
T1/2
t
=
=
=
=
=
Present activity
Activity as on previous date
Half life of source
Elapsed time
Decay constant
Where,
TYPICAL CALCULATION OF ACTIVITY FOR TWO BETA AND TWO GAMMA SOURCES:
BETA SOURCES:
Sr-90: (3.7 KBq, Oct 2006); Half life for Sr-90 is T1/2 = 28.5Yrs
Activity (A0) =
3.7 KBq, as on Oct'06.
=
3700 Bq
(Elapsed time till Sept'07= 11months)
Present activity (A) =
T1/2 =
t
=
=
=
Tl-204: (11.1 KBq, Oct 2006); Half life for Tl-204 is T1/2 = 4Yrs
Activity (A0) =
11.1 KBq, as on Oct'06.
=
11100 Bq
(Elapsed time till Sept'07= 11months)
Present activity (A) =
T1/2 =
t
=
=
=
13
GAMMA SOURCES:
Cs-137: (3.1Ci, July'07) ; Half life for Cs-137 is T1/2 = 30Yrs
Activity (A0)
=
3.1Ci, as on Oct'06.
=
3.1X3.7X1010X10-6
=
114700 Bq
(Elapsed time till Sept'07= 2months)
=
3.7Ci, as on Oct'06.
=
3.7X3.7X1010X10-6
=
136900 Bq
(Elapsed time till Sept'07= 2months)
14
1.1 PURPOSE
To study the variations of countrate with applied voltage and thereby determine the plateau,
the operating voltage and the slope of the plateau.
1.2 EQUIPMENT / ACCESSORIES REQUIRED
G.M Detector (End window) stand (or) G.M Detector/source holder bench (optical
bench).
Make the connection between counting system to G.M. Detector by MHV to UHF coaxial cable. Also connect the mains chord from the counting system to 230V A.C.
Power (refer to Fig.1).
Place a Gamma or Beta source facing the end window of the detector, in the source
holder of G.M. stand or optical bench at about 2 cms (for Gamma source) or 4 cms
(for Beta source) approximately, from the end window of the detector. (For Beta
source ensure that countrate is less than 200 CPS at 500V)
Now power up the unit and select menu options to PROGRAM on the keypad of the
G.M. Counting System and select 30sec preset time typically (It can be in the range
of 30 to 60 sec.) [ For all command button functions, refer to G.M. Counting System
GC601A / GC602A user manual. ]
Now press - START button to record the counts and gradually increase the HV by
rotating the HV knob till such time, the unit just starts counting. Now, press STOP
button.
Now take a fresh reading at this point (STARTING VOLTAGE) and record the
observations in the format as given in Table 1.
Also record for each HV setting, corresponding background counts without keeping
the source.
Continue to take these readings in steps of 30V and for the same preset time, keep
observing counts & tabulate the data, with and without source.
Initially within 2 to 3 readings, counts will steeply increase and thereafter remain
constant with marginal increase (may be within 10%). After few readings, one will
find a steep increase as one enters the discharge region. Take just one or two
readings in this region and reduce the HV bias to 0 volts. It is important to note that
operating the G.M detector in discharge region for longer time can reduce the life of
tube or can result into permanent damage of the detector.
15
Now tabulate the readings and plot a graph of voltage against counts (corrected
counts). This graph should look as shown in Fig. 6.
Identify from the graph / tabulated data
i) Starting Voltage
ii) Lower threshold voltage (V1)
iii) Upper threshold voltage (V2). It is called Breakdown threshold voltage
iv) Discharge region.
Calculate plateau, percentage slope, and plateau length, operating voltage,
etc.
S.No.
EHT
(Volts)
Counts
30 sec
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
330
360 (V1)
390
420
450
480
510
540
570 (V2)
600
630
0
1710
1728
1743
1784
1792
1802
1818
1821
2607
3475
Background Counts
30 sec
Nb
Corrected Counts
Nc = (N-Nb)
30 sec
0
35
35
35
36
36
37
39
40
76
76
= 360 V
(V2 + V1)
(570+360)
Operating voltage V0 = ________ = ________ = 465 V
2
2
16
0
1675(N1)
1693
1708
1748
1756
1765
1779
1781 (N2)
2531
3399
100
________
X 100 = 2.95 %
(570 - 360)
Where N1 and N2 are the count rates at the lower and the upper limits of the plateau and
V1 and V2 are the corresponding voltages.
Slope less than 10% is desirable.
G.M Characteristics
4000
3500
3000
Counts / 30 sec
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
330
360
390
420
450
480
510
540
570
600
630
EHT
From the plateau, it can be noticed that mid point of the characteristics of the GM
tube is defined as operating voltage and is to be used for counting applications. The
tube is operated at this voltage when used in Radiation Monitors for measurements.
Repeat the experiment with Beta source by keeping the source slightly away from
the end window when compared to gamma source and tabulate the data. Calculate
slope, plateau length etc. From this, one could notice that with Beta source, the efficiency of the detector increases. Also one can notice that with higher count rates,
plateau slope increases.
17
G.M Detector (End window) stand (or) G.M Detector/source holder bench
A gamma source
Make detector-source arrangement as shown in the (Fig.7) and powerup the unit.
Without source, make few (about 5 readings) background measurements and take
an average of them for a preset time of say 60 sec.
Compute Average background counts in 60sec Ba = (b1+b2+b3+b4+b5) / 5.
Compute Background rate = Ba/t (t = 60sec)
Place a gamma source in the source holder and adjust the distance (d) from the
detector end window to be 2 cm away from the centre of the source holder.
If you have an End window detector stand, keep the source holder in the 1st slot &
raise the end window detector enclosed in a cylindrical shell by unscrewing the captive
screw such that you get 2 cm distance from the end window to 1st slot as shown in
Fig.7.
Set the HV to Operating Voltage (say 500 V), program 'preset time' to 60 sec and
record the data counts by pressing 'START' button.
Increase the Distance (d) in steps of 0.5cm (5mm) and for each step record the
observations and tabulate (table 2) the data as given below till you reach a distance
of 8 to 10 cms from the detector face.
Subtract the background counts from the recorded counts which results in corrected
counts (N) in 60sec. From this obtain Net Count Rate (R) per sec.
18
(a)
Compute and tabulate 'Net count rate' (R), 'Distance' (d), product of (C=R.d2),
transformation (1/d2) etc. as shown in table. (2)
Plot a graph of Net count rate (R) Vs. distance (d) in cm. (Fig 8)
Table (2) : Data for Inverse Square Law Experiment
Distance in
S.No.
cm (d)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
Corrected
Counts N
in 60sec.
Net Count
Rate
R in 1 sec.
Product
C=R.d2
13440
9216
6133
4663
3525
2750
2125
1768
1469
1194
1002
224.0
153.4
102.2
77.38
58.75
45.83
35.42
29.46
24.83
19.90
16.60
896
954
920
952
940
929
886
891
882
840
851
Transformation
1/d2 in 1/m2
2500
1600
1111
816
625
493
400
330
278
236
204
If the count rate obeys the inverse square law, it can be easily be shown that the product
R.d2 is a constant. The results of the product (R.d2) are shown in the table above; allowing
for statistical fluctuations, the results obey this law, with a mean value of C = 904. The
observed net count rate as a function of distance is given by
904
Rd = ____
d2
(b)
An alternative analysis method involves transforming the data so that the results lie on a
straight line. For this purpose Net Count Rate (R) Vs. Reciprocal of the distance square
(1/d2) are plotted (refer to Fig.9). This will be a straight line passing through the origin (0, 0)
as this point corresponds to a source-detector distance of infinity. Gradient can be estimated
easily from the net count rate (R) corresponding to a value of (1/d2) of 400 m2.
In this example: c = 886 which is in agreement with the results of the previous method at
5cm.
19
Fig (9). Plot of Net Count Rate (R) Vs Inverse Square of Distance (d)
20
(c)
Another way of data analysis is by plotting these values on a log log graph sheet or compute log values & plot them on a linear graph sheet (log R Vs. log d) as shown in fig.(10) .
Table (2.b): Table with Log R & Log d values computed
S.No.
d (cms)
Log d
Log R
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
0.3010
0.3979
0.4770
0.5440
0.6020
0.6532
0.6989
0.7403
0.77815
0.8125
0.8450
224
153.4
102.2
77.38
58.75
45.833
35.416
29.466
24.483
19.9
18.2
2.3502
2.1858
2.0094
1.8886
1.7690
1.6611
1.5491
1.4693
1.3888
1.2988
1.27646
Draw a line through the data points. If this is a straight line with a gradient of 2, then it
proves that Inverse Square Law is obeyed.
Gradient
21
1.5491-2.0094
___________
0.6989-0.4770
1
= __
n
N
+N2 + N3 + +Nn
1
______________________
n
n
i=1
Ni
Deviation : Deviation is the difference between the actual measured values and the
average value. Deviation from the mean, di is simply the difference between any
data point Ni, and the mean. We define this by
__
di = Ni - N
When we try to look at the error or average deviation, the value probably will become
zero because, we may have both positive and negative values which get cancelled.
Yet an average value of the error will be desirable, since it tells us how good the data
is in a quantitative way. Therefore we need a different way to obtain the measure of
the scatter of the data.
22
d1 + d2 + +dn
= __________________
(n -1)
n
2
1
= _____ di
(n - 1) i=1
From this = (2) , we see no negative sign and indicates average error contribution.
We find that all the deviations make a contribution. We call the term 2 as variance.
Standard deviation is a square root of the variance, which is widely used to indicate
about the spread of our data.
1 n
2 = __ di2 (for large samples)
n i=1
The definition of the standard deviation differs slightly for small samples. It is defined
as follows:
n
1
2 = ___ di2 (for small samples)
(n-1) i=1
3.4 MEASURING BACKGROUND RADIATION
In this section, several basic experiments are described to demonstrate the statistical
nature of radioactive processes. The importance of statistical methods in analyzing data
and estimating measurement uncertainties is also covered.
The G.M. detector registers pulses even when not exposed to radioactive sources. These
pulses are caused by natural and man-made radioactive isotopes found in our environment,
and also by cosmic radiation. The background radiation varies with time and depends on
the local environment, the building material, shielding and the weather. Hence, the
background count rate (counts per second) should be recorded before and after carrying
out measurements.
In the following discussion, the total number of counts recorded for a counting period will
be indicated by N (for countrate : N0) and background counts by B (background rate : B0).
The net count rate is given by NR = (N-B)/T (where T is the counting period in seconds).
23
Make standard set up by connecting G.M. Counting System GC 601A/602A with G.M.
Detector placed in the optical bench or G.M stand as shown in figure (2 or 3).
Remove the radioactive source from the source holder and set the preset time to 10 sec
and take a set of 100 readings and tabulate them as shown in table no. (3a).
Now plot a bar graph for number of counts registered versus the Index Number say for
group no. (1) as shown in fig 11.
Index No.
BG Counts/10 sec
1
6
2
6
3
3
4
5
5
10
6
6
7
3
8
13
9
6
10
11
2
63
3
68
4
62
5
63
6
61
7
66
8
70
9
61
10
67
_
: N
Variance
: 2 =
6.53
Standard Deviation
2.55
6.5
24
Fig (13) Frequency distribution for 100 measurements of the back ground with T=10s
25
The sample variance is calculated with the divisor (n-1) to give an unbiased estimated
value for variance of the process.
3.7 INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS
The results follow a Poisson distribution on which practically all radioactivity measurements
are based. The results show that the mean value N is equal to the variance 2; this is
characteristic of the Poisson distribution.
The variance in any measured number of counts is therefore equal to the mean
value of counts.
The square root of variance, the standard deviation is a measure of the scatter of individual
counts around the mean value. As a thumb rule we can say that approximately 2/3 of the
results are within one standard deviation of the mean value i.e., within the interval [ (N-)
and (N+), where = N ]
Conversely, given the result from an individual measurement, the unknown 'true'
count lies within the interval [ N - N and N + N ] with a probability of
approximately 2/3.
The above measured results of mean, variance and standard deviation follow Poisson
distribution. Results show that the mean value (N) is almost equal to the variance (2 )
which is characteristic of the Poisson distribution.
The variance in any measured number of counts is therefore equal to the mean value of
counts.
26
Place a Beta source about 2cm from the end window of the detector.
Record counts typically for a preset time of 25sec, and take 50 data readings.
Compute Mean, Deviation and Standard Deviation and tabulate the readings. Also
compute other values, as indicated in the table.
S.No.
Ni
(Ni -N)
N =
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
803
782
802
775
780
803
800
841
802
763
793
783
773
785
810
802
796
796
824
786
771
741
762
809
764
13
-8
12
-15
-10
13
10
51
12
-27
3
-7
-17
-5
20
12
6
6
34
-4
-19
-49
-28
19
-26
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
(Ni -N)/
(Ni -N)/
(Rounded off)
0.46
-0.25
0.42
-0.53
-0.35
0.46
0.35
1.81
0.42
-0.96
0.10
-0.24
-0.60
-0.17
0.71
0.42
0.21
0.20
1.20
-0.14
-0.68
-1.74
-0.99
0.67
-0.92
27
0.5
0
0.5
-0.5
-0.5
0.5
0.5
2
0.5
-1.0
0
0
-0.5
0
0.5
0.5
0
0
1.0
0
-0.5
-2
-1
0.5
-1
S.No.
Ni
(Ni -N)
N =
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
773
779
792
818
779
745
769
791
823
763
767
807
853
790
764
762
825
775
791
822
784
780
783
813
785
-17
-11
2
28
-11
-45
-21
1
33
-27
-23
17
63
0
-26
-28
35
-15
1
32
-6
-10
-7
23
-5
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
28.1
(Ni -N)/
(Ni -N)/
(Rounded off)
-0.60
-0.39
0.07
0.99
-0.39
-1.60
-0.74
0.03
1.17
-0.96
-0.82
0.60
2.24
0
-0.92
-0.99
1.24
-0.53
0.03
1.13
-0.21
-0.35
-0.24
0.82
-0.17
-0.5
-0.5
0
1
-0.5
-2
-0.5
0
1
-1
-1
0.5
2
0
-1
-1
1
-0.5
0
1
0
-0.5
0
1
0
28
3.9 EXERCISE
Make a plot of the frequency of rounded off events (Ni - N) Vs. the rounded off values.
Fig (14) Below shows ideal situation which is a Gaussian or Normal Distribution.
3.10 EXAMPLES
In experiment 1 in the first 10 measurements, i.e., after 100 s, 30 pulses were counted.
The result would be N = 30 + 5.5 in 100 s or Z = (0.30 + 0.055) 1/s.
After 100 measurements in Experiment 1, i.e., 1000 s, 286 pulses were counted.
The result would be N = 286 + 17 in 1000 s or Z = (0.286 + 0.017) 1/s.
If you compare the errors indicated for the count rate Z in the examples 1 and 3 you
can see that a counting period which is 100 times longer (or 100 measurements)
leads to a result where the measurement uncertainty is 10 times smaller. If the result
is divided by the count time T :
N
N
N
N
1
Z
___
+ ___ = ___ + ___ x ___ = Z + ___
T
T
T
T
T
T
The uncertainty in the count rate Z is therefore proportional to one over the square
root of the counting period T (or, equivalently, to the square root of the number of
readings taken)
29
4.1 INTRODUCTION
By knowing the activity of a gamma source, it is possible to record counts with the source
for a known preset time & estimate the efficiency of the G.M. detector
4.2 EQUIPMENT / ACCESSORIES REQUIRED
Place a gamma source in the source holder facing the end window detector. Typically
the distance between the source to end window of G.M. tube can be 10 cm.
Now record counts for about 100 sec both background and counts with source and
make the following calculations and analysis.
4.4 ANALYSIS AND COMPUTATIONS
Nb = 71
D=10cm
d = 1.5cm
Ns = 432
From the above data, the net count rate recorded N = (Ns - Nb/100) cps = 3.61CPS
Fig. 15 : Detector source arrangement for efficiency calculation for a gamma source
30
(___
d2)
4
____
4D2
d2
____
16D2
The present activity (A) of the gamma source used for this experiment is 111 KBQ.
This gamma source is radiating isotropically in all directions. A fraction of this only is
entering the G.M. Tube, which is given by
d2
R = A x ____2 = 111000 x 0.001406 = 156.066
16D
This is the fractional radiation entering the detector
Hence efficiency of the detector for the gamma source at a distance (D = 10 cm)
Efficiency (E) =
3.61
______
156.066
CPS
N
______
= ___
DPS
R
= 0.0231 = 2.31%
Place Beta source close to End Window (approx 2cm from end window). Record
counts for a minute with and without source. Take three readings; take average of
them and tabulate.
Calculate the present day activity in DPS of the source (refer to procedure given at
the end of the manual).
Intrinsic efficiency can be calculated as the ratio between (CPM/DPM) x 100 or (CPS/
DPS) x 100. This will be efficiency of the end window detector for the given Beta
Source at that distance.
31
Sr-90
Activity (A0)
Activity (A)
57 CPM
14427 CPM
Corrected counts
14370 CPM
239.5 CPS
Efficiency (E) of the End window detector with Beta source (Sr-90) at 2.0 cm distance
CPS
E = _____
DPS
= 0.0446 = 4.46%
4.5 EXERCISE
By knowing the efficiency of the G.M. detector for a particular Gamma energy (at a
specified distance & geometry), one can further calculate the following parameters,
namely activity of the source as on the day of experimentation (of course it is assumed
that activity of the standard is known as on the date of manufacture), and also the
activity of the unknown source if any with the same energy.
It can be noticed that End Window detector will have much better efficiency for Beta
Source compared to a gamma source.
By knowing efficiency for a Beta source , if an unknown activity Beta source is kept
for counting one can calculate and find out its activity.
32
G.M Detector (End window) stand (or) G.M Detector/source holder bench
Without source, make a few (about 5 readings) background measurements and take
an average of them for a preset time of say 60 sec.
Place a Beta source in the source tray at about 3 cm from the end window of the GM
tube.
The absorber thickness is increased in steps of 0.05mm and every time counts are
recorded.
This process is repeated until the count rate becomes equal to or less than half the
count rate with zero absorber thickness.
Data is to be collected for the standard source and the second source.
Here in this case the standard source is Tl - 204 and the second source is Sr - 90.
33
Table : 1
Counting Time : 180 sec
Background : 146 counts
Absorber : Aluminium
Source : Tl-204 (4 KBq)
Absorber
Thickness (in mm)
Absorber Thickness
in mg/cm2
Counts
Net counts
(counts-BG)
0
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0
13.55
27.10
40.65
54.20
67.75
81.30
94.85
108.40
121.95
2620
2003
1556
1293
1054
835
676
597
499
448
2474
1857
1410
1147
908
689
530
451
353
302
Absorber Thickness
in mg/cm2
Counts
Net counts
(counts-BG)
0
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0
13.55
27.10
40.65
54.20
67.75
81.30
94.85
108.40
121.95
135.50
149.05
162.60
176.15
189.70
5828
5130
4589
4252
3893
3618
3458
3189
3092
2877
2773
2612
2582
2367
2222
5749
5051
4510
4173
3814
3539
3379
3110
3013
2798
2694
2533
2503
2288
2143
34
Figure : 16
Figure : 17
35
-- (1)
Where E0 is the end point energy of of Beta rays from the radioactive source in MeV.
We have the ratio of thickness required to reduce the counts of Beta rays from one source
to half to the thickness required for the other source is given by
t1
___
=
t2
t1
____
=
t2
Range
of Beta rays from first source
_____________________________
Range of Beta rays from second source
R1
____
R2
-- (2)
5.4.2 EXERCISE
Subtract the background count rate from each measured count rate.
Plot a graph of Net countrate (CPS) Vs absorber thickness (mg/cm2) for both sources.
Draw the curve through these points as shown in Figures 16 & 17.
From the plotted graph extrapolate and obtain thickness of aluminium absorber
required to reduce the countrate of Thallium and Strontium Beta rays by half (t1 and
t2 ).
Substitute t1 and t2 in the above equation (2) and calculate the range of rays
(R2) from Sr90 source.
Once we know the R2, we can find out the energy (E2) of Sr90 from equation-1
36
= 0.764 MeV
Range of 204Tl
= R1
204
t1
___
t2
R1
___
R2
0.30728 X 121 X 10-3
_________________
34 X 10-3
R2 =
R1
t2
X _____ =
t1
R2
0.30728 X 121
_____________ = 1.09355 gm/cm2
34
E2
E2
R2 + 0.09
= ___________
0.52
1.09355 + 0.09
______________
0.52
= 2.276 Mev
5.4.4 RESULT
End point energy of -rays from 90Sr = 2.28 MeV.
37
Tl by half, t1 =
Scatterer
Detector
Lead Block
Schematic diagram
Lead Block
Scatterer
>
>
Detector
Source
>
>
6.3 PROCEDURE
Make standard setup by connecting G.M. Counting System (GC602A) with G.M Detector
(GM125)
In this experimental setup, the detector, Beta source and scatterer stand with scatterer are
placed as shown in Fig.18.
A lead block is placed in between the Beta source and Detector, so that the detector does
not receive any direct radiation from the Beta source.
Switch ON the GC602A Electronic Unit and set the operating High voltage at 500V.
To start with, remove the scatterer stand and measure the counts for 200 secs.
Now place the scatterer stand and load Aluminum foil (scatterer) of thickness 0.05mm.
The apparatus is first set up to give maximum count rate by adjusting the source / detector
positions.
After doing this, record the counts for 200 secs. Then increase the thickness of the scatterer
in steps of 0.05mm by adding one foil to the previous scatterer, and observe the counts
each time for 200 secs. Tabulate the data.
39
6.4
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
Source
: Sr-90
Activity
: 0.1mCi
Preset Time : 200 secs.
Sl.No Material
6.5
Unit: GC602A
Detector: GM125
Sliding Bench
Thickness (mm)
Counts
Average
II
Net counts
Al
361
401
381
Al
0.05
621
645
633
252
Al
0.10
676
657
666.5
285.5
Al
0.15
789
737
763
382
Al
0.20
858
834
846
465
Al
0.25
1032
985
1008.5
627.5
Al
0.30
1107
1174
1140.5
759.5
Al
0.35
1250
1246
1248
867
Al
0.40
1226
1400
1313
932
10
Al
0.45
1508
1629
1568.5
1187.5
11
Al
0.50
1696
1707
1701.5
1320.5
12
Al
0.55
1708
1668
1688
1307
13
Al
0.60
1791
1699
1745
1364
14
Al
0.65
1798
1678
1738
1357
40
Detector holder
Absorber holder
Source holder
7.3 PROCEDURE
Make standard setup by connecting G.M Counting system GC602A with G.M Detector
(GM125) placed in the optical bench as shown in Fig.20 above. The GM Detector, Absorber
and the Source are mounted as shown in Fig.20.
Switch ON the GC602A Electronic Unit and set the operating High Voltage at 500V.
An absorber consisting of two materials with widely different atomic numbers, say, Perspex
(1.8mm thick) and Aluminum (0.7 mm thick) is used and the count rate is measured with
the absorber and then with the absorber reversed.
The absorber thickness must be such that each sheet of absorbent material has about the
same mass per unit area.
The experiment is conducted with following three combinations of materials
i. Al (0.7mm) & Perspex (1.8mm)
ii. Perspex (1.8mm) & Cu (0.3mm)
iii. Al (0.7mm) & Cu (0.3mm)
7.4 EXPERIMENTAL DATA & RESULTS
Source
: Sr-90
Distance between source and detector : 6cms
Activity
: 0.1mCi
Preset Time : 300Sec
BG : 1065 counts
For Al (0.7mm) & Perspex (1.8mm) combination:
S.No
Absorber position
Counts
Net Counts
1
40342
39277
2
Perspex facing source
6400
5335
3
Al. facing source
9122
8057
For Perspex (1.8mm) & Cu (0.3mm) combination:
S.No
Absorber position
Counts
Net Counts
1
40342
39277
2
Cu facing source
4749
3681
3
Perspex facing source
4183
3118
For Al (1.8mm) & Cu (0.3mm) combination:
S.No
1
2
3
Absorber position
Al facing source
Cu facing source
Counts
40342
5100
5858
Net Counts
39277
4035
4793
Irradiate the given indium foil for about 12 hours by placing it in appropriate position
in the Neutron Howitzer (normally at the centre of the column).
Place the irradiated indium foil under the window of the GM tube at a convenient
distance (1 cm) in order to get a good number of counts per second.
Collect the counts for every 5 minutes for at least one hour.
Note down the back ground count rate for 5 minutes, before and after the experiment
in order to subtract from the observed counts and record your observations as shown
in the Table below.
Determine the count rate (N) for each interval of 300 seconds (5 minutes).
Plot graph of log of the count rate (log N) versus time (minutes)
dy
Slope = _____ = decay constant
dx
dy
Log (N)
dx
43
0.693
T 1/2 = _____ sec
Find the slope of the straight line graph using the least square fit methods (use the
formula)
m = (nxy - xy) / (nx2 - (x)2)
to determine the slope of the graph which gives the value of the decay constant.
Where n = number of observations
x = time interval, y = Log N
OBSERVATIONS
S.No.
Elapsed
Time
Duration
(min)
Counts
Reading
Corrected
counts / min
Log (N)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
300
600
900
1200
1500
1800
2100
2400
2700
3000
3300
3600
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
1355
2660
3862
5006
6047
7103
8138
9043
9923
10750
11593
12348
252.6
247.6
239.06
231.9
223.48
218.36
214.11
207.67
202.11
196.6
192.38
187.4
5.54
5.50
5.47
5.44
5.40
5.38
5.36
5.33
5.31
5.28
5.26
5.23
44
45
C.
EXPERIMENTS
RADIONUCLIDES
ILLUSTRATING
APPLICATIONS
OF
9.
A 3 PVC pipe with one end closed and other end open.
Fig. 23 : G. M Counting system with sand filled PVC column, detector & source
arrangement
46
9.4 PROCEDURE
Typical arrangement is shown in the Fig. 23.
Mount the detector in the special enclosure given and connect it with cable to the
counting system (as shown in Fig.23).
Switch on the G.M. Counting System and select acquisition mode to be 'CPS / CPM'
mode
Now place a gamma source along the length (ht) of the PVC tube (which is kept
vertically in standing position) and exactly diagonally opposite side, place the detector
horizontally (window facing the PVC pipe)
Now observe the count rate, on the instrument and record the observations for each
ht (in steps of 1cm) or 15mm or as required.
Ht. vs CPS data may be recorded till sand filled level is crossed.
At the level of crossing the sand level, you will find noticeable change in count rate.
From the above observation, it can be confirmed that this is the ht/ level to which
material is filled. Electronic circuits can be modified in the G.M. Counting System to
detect this transition in count rate , and alarm or relay contact can be activated at this
level.
To predict correct accurate level one can open a small narrow window of 2mm/ 3mm
on the detector & cover the rest of the window of the detector by a lead disc (5mm
thick, with 2mm central hole and 1 dia in size) to cover the face of the detector.
47
Liquid fill height level for beverages, soups, pharmaceutical products, baby foods,
Match boxes, yogurt cartons etc.
For sorting or counting items in a process or pharmaceutical industry etc.
Fig. 24 : G. M. Counting System detector, source & perspex sheet fixed with coins
arrangement for source beam interruption experiment.
48
10.4 PROCEDURE
Place gamma source in the source holder and ensure to have a distance of atleast 2cm between the end window of the detector and gamma source holder.
Now place this Perspex sheet affixed with coins to interrupt the source detector beam.
On each interruption by a coin and without coin interruption (i.e. with only Perspex
sheet), record the count rate changes and tabulate them.
One can pre-set alarm level (if available as a feature in the counting system) such
that on each change over of count rate, one can see annunciation of aural/ visual
alarm on the electronic counting unit.
10.5 CONCLUSIONS
Using this principle, number of real time applications in a process industry could be
developed or implemented for inspection, checking the fill of the items and counting number
of items under process.
49