Coincidence and fast-timing measurements using LaBr3(Ce) detectors and gammasphere

Abstract

The performance of new scintillator detectors based on LaBr 3 (Ce) technology was evaluated in conjunction with the Gammasphere spectrometer. Specifically, the lifetimes of states between 50 ps and 1 ns, populated in the decay of the 177 m Lu isomeric state ( T 1/2 =160 d), have been measured. Even though the decay scheme is rather complex, it is possible to perform precise measurements because of the superior energy resolution of the LaBr 3 (Ce) detectors, compared to that of BaF 2 scintillators , when used in combination with the power of the Gammasphere array to isolate a specific γ cascade.