Using a clinical linac to determine the energy levels of 92mNb via the photonuclear reaction

Abstract

The bremsstrahlung photons of 18MeV end-point energy produced by a clinical linear accelerator were used to irradiate 93Nb, producing 92mNb via the photonuclear reaction. The gamma-ray spectrum emitted by the excited nucleus was measured with high purity germanium detector. For analysis of the energy transitions, both gf3 and ROOT spectrum analysis programs were applied. The results were shown to be comparable with the literature values, demonstrating the ability to use a clinical liner accelerator in nuclear physics measurements.