Chapter 6 - Cherenkov counting

Abstract

The chapter begins with the history of the discovery of Cherenkov radiation. This is followed with the theory and properties of Cherenkov radiation including the threshold conditions and particle energies for Cherenkov radiation production, the Cherenkov photon spatial asymmetry, and photon spectrum and radiation intensity. The application of conventional liquid scintillation counters for the analysis and counting of radionuclides that undergo beta decay with the concomitant production of Cherenkov radiation in water, plastic, or in the dry state is described. Included are detailed treatments of the methods of color quench correction in Cherenkov counting. The parameters that may be controlled to optimize Cherenkov counting are discussed including sample volume, counting vial type, use of wavelength shifters, sample and vial refractive index, and sample physical state. This is followed with a treatment on the use of silica aerogels in Cherenkov counting. Other techniques and applications, which are described in detail, are Cherenkov counting in microplate format, multiple radionuclide analysis, and radionuclide standardization. The detection and measurement of gamma radiation by Cherenkov counting is included. Particle identification by Cherenkov counting includes threshold and differential counters, ring imaging Cherenkov, time-of-flight, and time of propagation counters. Various methods for the detection and measurement of neutrinos by Cherenkov counting are described including large water and D2O detectors, neutrino telescopes in lake and ocean floors, neutrino astronomy in Artic ice, and radio Cherenkov counting. Specific applications for the analysis of radionuclides are discussed including the analysis of phosphorus-32, strontium-89, strontium-90(yttrium-90), and pure yttrium-90, among others. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations for Cherenkov counting in radionuclide analysis.