Gamma-Ray Self-Absorption Corrections in Stainless Steel 12Х18Н10Т for the Needs of Non-Destructive Isotopic Differentiation of Shielded Actinides

Abstract

One of the main tasks of nuclear science and technology is related to the development of methods of countermeasures, circulation, non-proliferation, and safe use of shielded nuclear materials - actinides. To solve this problem, information about their isotopic and quantitative composition is necessary. One of the main methods of non-destructive differentiation of shielded actinides, which is constantly being developed, is based on the use of their characteristic or stimulated gamma rays. For its implementation, information on the self- absorption of gamma rays of a wide energy range in screens (combinations of the elements from which they are made) is required. The results of calculations of the dependence of the self-absorption values of gamma rays in stainless steel 12X18N10 on their energy (100 keV ÷ 3000 keV) at fixed values of the screen thickness (0.1 ÷ 20 mm) are presented in the article. It was established that the self-absorption of gamma rays has smaller values for the energy range of spectrometric measurements of stimulated gamma rays compared to the energy range of spectrometry of characteristic gamma rays during the differentiation of shielded actinides. The energy range of gamma rays from 1000 to 3000 keV was determined, which can be considered optimal for the spectrometry of stimulated gamma rays from shielded actinides during their differentiation.