Room-temperature electron spectroscopy of 239Pu and 240Pu

Abstract

Passivated, implanted, planar silicon (PIPS) detectors have been used for the measurement of electron spectra. The commercially available PIPS detectors, available in thicknesses of 100μm, 300μm, and 500μm, have an energy resolution (FWHM) of ~2.2keV, which is essentially the same as that of PIN diodes. Alpha and electron spectra of mass-separated 239Pu and 240Pu sources have been measured with a 300-μm thick PIPS detector and the electron to alpha ratios for the conversion lines of the 51.62- and 45.24-keV transitions have been determined. A procedure has been developed to determine the amount of 239Pu and 240Pu in a mixed source. The α-particle emission rate of the mixed source is measured, which is the sum of individual rates. From the electron spectrum of the mixed source, measured with the same setup as the alpha spectrum, the rates of 239Pu electron lines are determined. Using the electron rate of the 239Pu line and the electron to alpha ratio measured for the pure source, the α-particle emission rate of 239Pu is determined. The difference from the total α-particle emission rate gives the α-particle emission rate of 240Pu. In addition, electron intensities and conversion coefficients of the 239Pu and 240Pu transitions have been measured.