Gamma-ray Energy Spectra Research Articles

Extreme thunderstorm ground enhancements registered on Aragats in 2023

In 2023, a series of intense thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) were recorded on Mount Aragats in Armenia, with seven events exceeding the fair-weather cosmic ray flux by more than 75%. This study comprehensively analyzes these TGEs, investigating the atmospheric conditions and electric fields contributing to their occurrence. Key insights include discovering relationships between TGE electron content and the location of atmospheric electric fields, recovering electron and gamma-ray energy spectra, and the impact of the cloud charge structure. The findings offer a deeper understanding of TGEs’ role in atmospheric physics and its synergy with high-energy astrophysics. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Characteristics of a neutron source based on an electron accelerator LINAC-200

As part of the commissioning work at the linear electron accelerator LINAC-200 (JINR), we conducted experiments to study the characteristics of a pulsed neutron source obtained by irradiating a converter target with a 140 MeV electron beam. To estimate neutron source parameters and neutron energy spectra in lead and tungsten targets with different sizes numerical simulations were performed. Additionally, we have conducted experiments to measure the energy spectra of neutrons and gamma rays using high-resolution time-of-flight method. It has been found that the ratio of integral estimates between the calculated and average measured neutron yields (for tungsten and lead targets) did not exceed 30%. The fluence of resonant and thermal neutrons in the target is estimated at 2.8×1013 neutrons per second, which corresponds to the requirements for modern pulsed neutron sources.

Design and Computational Validation of γ-Ray Shielding Effectiveness in Heavy Metal/Rare Earth Oxide-Natural Rubber Composites.

This study involved the preparation of natural rubber-based composites incorporating varying proportions of heavy metals and rare earth oxides (Sm2O3, Ta2O5, and Bi2O3). The investigation analyzed several parameters of the samples, including mass attenuation coefficients (general, photoelectric absorption, and scattering), linear attenuation coefficients (μ), half-value layers (HVLs), tenth-value layers (TVLs), mean free paths (MFPs), and radiation protection efficiencies (RPEs), utilizing the Monte Carlo simulation software Geant4 and the WinXCom database across a gamma-ray energy spectrum of 40-150 keV. The study also compared the computational discrepancies among these measurements. Compared to rubber composites doped with single-component fillers, multi-component mixed shielding materials significantly mitigate the shielding deficiencies observed with single-component materials, thereby broadening the γ-ray energy spectrum for which the composites provide effective shielding. Subsequently, the simulation outcomes were juxtaposed with experimental data derived from a 133Ba (80 keV) γ-source. The findings reveal that the simulated results align closely with the experimental observations. When compared to the WinXCom database, the Geant4 software demonstrates superior accuracy in deriving radiation shielding parameters and notably enhances experimental efficiency.

Real-time gamma-ray energy spectrum / dose monitor with k-α method based on sequential bayesian estimation

Medical applications of radiation have been widely spread until now. However, the exposure of medical staff is sometimes overlooked, because treatment of patients is the first priority. The purpose of this study is to develop a small and light monitor that can measure the energy spectrum and dose of gamma-rays at the same time in real-time for medical applications. Using the monitor, the medical staff could be guided to be more aware ofthe risk of radiation, and finally the exposure to them could be substantially suppressed. So far, a CsI scintillator has been chosen as a detection device of gamma-rays and combined with a Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) to develop a prototype monitor. Then we confirmed its basic performance with standard gamma-ray sources. To achieve the real-time measurement, α method (sequential Bayesian estimation) was adopted and improved to propose a new unfolding process, named k-α method, with which the convergence speed could really be accelerated to realize real-time measurement. Also, gamma-ray measurements with a mixed source of 133Ba, 137Cs and 60Co were carried out to confirm the validity of the present monitor. As a result, it was found that gamma-ray energy spectrum could be estimated successfully in several-tens seconds in the field of around 6 μSv/h. For the dose estimation, the correct values could be estimated just after starting measurement.

Balancing Performance and Portability: A Study on CsI(Tl) Crystal Sizes for Real-Time Gamma-Ray Spectrum and Dose Monitoring

Current radiation dosimeters sometimes face accuracy limitations or provide only cumulative doses over long periods. To contribute to this area, we developed a portable monitor that measures the energy spectrum and dose of gamma rays in real time. To achieve this, we used an improved sequential Bayesian estimation algorithm. The dose rate was then derived from the energy spectrum by applying a flux-to-dose conversion coefficient. The monitor consists mainly of a CsI(Tl) scintillator and a multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC). In developing this device, we focused on striking a balance between measurement accuracy, ease of use, and portability. As an essential aspect of the research, we investigated the influence of the CsI(Tl) crystal size on the performance of the monitor to determine an optimal size. This was accomplished by calculating the detection efficiency and energy resolution through experimental measurements using standard gamma-ray sources and simulations using MCNP5. Within the scope of the research, detector response functions were created for each crystal size for an energy range of 10 keV to 3 MeV. Considering an optimal balance of detection efficiency and energy resolution alongside a compact size suitable for portable applications, the crystal measuring 2.6 × 2.6 × 1.3 cm3 was deemed preferable.

Curvature in the very-high energy gamma-ray spectrum of M 87

The radio galaxy M 87 is a variable very-high energy (VHE) gamma-ray source, exhibiting three major flares, which were reported in 2005, 2008, and 2010. Despite extensive studies, the origin of the VHE gamma-ray emission is not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigate the VHE gamma-ray spectrum of M 87 during states of high gamma-ray activity, utilizing 20.2 h of H.E.S.S. observations. Our findings indicate a preference for a curved spectrum, characterized by a log-parabola model with extra-galactic background light (EBL) model above 0.3 TeV at the 4σ level, compared to a power-law spectrum with EBL. We investigate the degeneracy between the absorption feature and the EBL normalization and derive upper limits on EBL models that are mainly sensitive in the wavelength range of 12.4 μm–40 μm.

A Monte Carlo simulation study for designing collimators for a CZT-based spent nuclear fuel characterization system

As an attempt to develop a spent nuclear fuel characterization system that can acquire both high-resolution gamma-ray energy spectrum and neutron flux simultaneously at multiple positions around the spent nuclear fuel assembly and provide more information compared to conventional equipment, simulation study was conducted to design a collimator around a gamma-ray detector to obtain high-resolution gamma-ray spectra in a high-flux gamma-ray environment. The ORIGEN depletion code was used to evaluate the source terms of spent nuclear fuel, and MCNP 6.2, the Monte Carlo simulation code, was used to simulate the detector response. Considering the realistic operating conditions of Korea's pressurized light water reactor, the source term for the ACE7 17×17 nuclear fuel assembly was derived under the conditions of initial enrichment ranging from 3 to 5%, burnup ranging from 30 to 60 GWd/MTU, and maximum cooling time of 30 years. MCNP 6.2, the Monte Carlo simulation code, was used to design a spent nuclear fuel characterization system using a CZT detector as a gamma-ray detector to obtain a high-resolution gamma-ray energy spectrum. In particular, the research focused on designing collimators to be used in high-flux radiation environments, such as spent nuclear fuel inspection, with CZT detectors. A simulation model of the CZT detector to be installed internally was made and the validity of the detector simulation model was confirmed by comparing simulation results with the measurement experiment results. Finally, the response of the CZT detector was calculated by changing various setting parameters of the collimator. By comparing the calculated detector response with the design standard count rate, the design of a collimator that can utilize the CZT detector in a spent nuclear fuel inspection environment was derived.

Dual particle imaging: Applications in security and environmental imaging

Radiation imaging detectors have been applied in a variety of fields for detection, localization and characterization of radioactive sources. In this work, we describe a handheld detection system (H2DPI) that can simultaneously image neutrons and gamma rays, and reconstruct the energy spectra of the incident particles. This system was applied to the detection and characterization of a plutonium metal source in experiments performed at the National Criticality Experiments Research Center, where the 4.5 kg plutonium source was placed approximately 60 cm from the H2DPI. Neutron and gamma-ray images were measured that show good agreement with the known location of the source. Furthermore, the H2DPI was also used to measure the neutron spectrum, which shows the expected shape of a Watt fission spectrum, and the gamma-ray energy spectrum, which shows the energies common to plutonium metal. Lastly, we describe the application of the H2DPI in augmented reality, whereby real-time neutron and gamma-ray imaging data can be streamed to the Microsoft HoloLens to allow the user to visualize the source locations.

Accurate gamma-ray dose measurement up to 10 MeV by glass dosimeter with a sensitivity control filter for BNCT

Glass dosimeters are very useful and convenient detection elements in radiation dosimetry. In this study, this glass dosimeter was applied to a BNCT treatment field. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a next-generation radiation therapy that can selectively kill only cancer cells. In the BNCT treatment field, both neutrons and secondary gamma-rays are generated. In other words, it is a mixed radiation field of neutrons and gamma-rays. We thus proposed a novel method to measure only gamma-ray dose in the mixed field using two RPLGD (Radiophoto-luminescence Glass Dosimeter) and two sensitivity control filters in order to control the dose response of the filtered RPLGD to be proportional to the air kerma coefficients, even if the gamma-ray energy spectrum is unknown. As the filter material iron was selected, and it was finally confirmed that reproduction of the air kerma coefficients was excellent within an error of 5.3% in the entire energy range up to 10 MeV. In order to validate this method, irradiation experiments were carried out using standard gamma-ray sources. As the result, the measured doses were in acceptably good agreement with the theoretical calculation results by PHITS. In the irradiation experiment with a volume source in a nuclear fuel storage room, the measured dose rates showed larger compared with survey meter values. In conclusion, the results of the standard sources showed the feasibility of this method, however for the volume source the dependence of the gamma-ray incident angle on the dosimeter was found to be not neglected. In the next step, it will be necessary to design a thinner filter in order to suppress the effect of the incident angle.

Constraints on axion-like particles from the observation of Galactic sources by the LHAASO* *Xiao-Jun Bi is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12175248). Xiaoyuan Huang is supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFF0503304), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (12322302), the Project for Young Scientists in Basic Research of Chinese Academy

High-energy photons may oscillate with axion-like particles (ALPs) when they propagate through the Milky Way's magnetic field, resulting in an alteration in the observed photon energy spectrum. Ultra-high energy gamma-ray spectra, measured by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) up to , provide a promising opportunity to investigate the ALP-photon oscillation effect. In this study, we utilize the gamma-ray spectra of four Galactic sources measured by the LHAASO, that is, the Crab Nebula, LHAASO J2226+6057, LHAASO J1908+0621, and LHAASO J1825-1326, to explore this effect. We employ the CLs method to set constraints on the ALP parameters. Our analysis of the observations of the four sources reveals that the ALP-photon coupling is constrained to be smaller than for an ALP mass of at 95% C.L. Combining the observations of the Crab Nebula from the LHAASO and other experiments, we find that the ALP-photon coupling may be set to approximately for an ALP mass of , which is similar to the CAST constraint.

Gamma-ray imaging of Np-237 metal using an organic glass imager

Neutron and gamma-ray imaging systems are deployed within the field of nuclear safeguards for the detection and localization of special nuclear materials and other materials of interest. 237Np is one of these materials of interest due its presence in spent nuclear fuel and potential for use in nuclear weapons when purified. Here, for the first time, a 6 kg neptunium sphere (98.8 wt% 237Np) was measured using a dual-particle imager, from the University of Michigan, consisting of organic glass and inorganic scintillators. The novel composition of organic glass scintillator was recently developed at Sandia National Labs and has been used in particle imaging systems due to its time resolution and particle discrimination capabilities. Gamma-ray energy spectra from single and coincident events were extracted and the sequencing of Compton scatter and photoelectric absorption gamma-ray events was used to generate images using simple backprojection. The emissions of interest in this work are the 312 keV and 416 keV gamma rays from 233Pa, a daughter isotope from the neptunium decay series. The results of this work show that there is close agreement between the true source location in angular space and the converged location from the gamma ray images created using the system. The gamma spectroscopy from single and coincident events also identified the characteristic emission from the daughter isotope and could be used to assist with the identification of 237Np. Furthermore, successful localization of the source with 5 s of data demonstrates the practical application of the imaging system for imaging and detection of material in weapons-useable quantities.

Energy spectra of the first TGE observed on Zugspitze by the SEVAN light detector compared with the energetic TGE observed on Aragats

The energy spectra of Thunderstorm ground enhancement (TGE) electrons and gamma rays are the key evidence for proving the origin of enhanced particle fluxes from thunderclouds. Till now, the electron energy spectrum was measured only by the Aragats large scintillation spectrometer ASNT. We changed the electronics board of the SEVAN detector installed at the Umwelt-Forschungs-Station (UFS, Schneefernerhaus, 2650 m asl) to allow these vital measurements near the top of the Zugspitze. The new electronics of the SEVAN detector, supplied with logarithmic ADC, for the energy release measurements up to 50 MeV (the thickness of the spectrometric scintillator is 25 cm). Thus, by measuring energy releases well above 3 MeV, we unambiguously separate Radon progeny gamma radiation from the electrons and gamma-ray relativistic runaway avalanches. Using the different energy release histograms allows for separating charged and neutral particles, enabling the disentangling of electron and gamma-ray energy spectra. On May 23, 2023, the first TGE was registered on Zugspitze by the SEVAN detector. The gamma-ray flux enhancement was 44%, corresponding to the observed count rate peak enhancement of 44σ. The gamma-ray energy spectrum was recovered, maximum energy is 60 MeV. On the same day, a large TGE was observed on Aragats. The TGE maximum flux overpasses the fair-weather flux by 207%, equivalent to a 1-minute peak significance of 400σ. Maximum energy of electrons is 50 MeV, gamma rays – 45 MeV. In this context, we will explore and explain the new capabilities of the SEVAN detector installed on Zugspitze and the rearranged similar detector on Aragats. We also present and compare electron and gamma-ray energy spectra from Aragats TGE and gamma-ray energy spectrum from Zugspitze.

An ultrahigh-energy [formula omitted]-ray bubble powered by a super PeVatron

We report the detection of a γ-ray bubble spanning at least 100deg2 in ultra-high energy (UHE) up to a few PeV in the direction of the star-forming region Cygnus X, implying the presence super PeVatron(s) accelerating protons to at least 10 PeV. A log-parabola form with the photon index Γ(E)=(2.71±0.02)+(0.11±0.02)×log10(E/10TeV) is found fitting the gamma-ray energy spectrum of the bubble well. UHE sources, “hot spots” correlated with very massive molecular clouds, and a quasi-spherical amorphous γ-ray emitter with a sharp central brightening are observed in the bubble. In the core of ∼0.5°, spatially associating with a region containing massive OB association (Cygnus OB2) and a microquasar (Cygnus X-3), as well as previously reported multi-TeV sources, an enhanced concentration of UHE γ-rays is observed with 2 photons at energies above 1 PeV. The general feature of the bubble, the morphology, and the energy spectrum, are reasonably reproduced by the assumption of a particle accelerator in the core, continuously injecting protons into the ambient medium.

Gamma Ray Spectrum by Software Methods for Radioactive Waste

The requirements of NTD (Neglected Tropical Diseases) and technological regulations for the operation of NPP (Nuclear Power Plant) power units (NP-001-97 (OPB-88/97), NP-082-07) define the requirements for monitoring the specific activity of iodine-131 (the amount of iodine) in the NPP primary circuit coolants. The advantages of laboratory control include accuracy of measurement and the radionuclide composition of the primary coolant, measured using high-precision laboratory equipment. Instrumental spectra were obtained for the detection units BDKG-205m with various options for the placement of waste in a container, their composition, mass of waste, average density, and various activity levels of waste. The basic idea behind gamma-ray spectroscopy is to detect and analyze the energy of incident gamma rays. Gamma rays of varying energy and intensity are emitted from radioactive sources. The gamma-ray energy spectrum is produced when gamma rays are detected and examined using a spectroscopy instrument. The initial stage in gamma-ray spectroscopy is to detect gamma rays using a suitable detector. The detector captures and measures the energy of incoming gamma rays. Scintillation detectors, semiconductor detectors, and gas-filled detectors are among the detectors used in gamma-ray spectroscopy. The incoming gamma-ray energy is converted into electrical signals that can be processed and studied by these detectors. The spectroscopic system measures and records the energy of gamma rays when they are detected. The derived energy spectrum depicts the intensity distribution of gamma rays as a function of energy. The spectrum is a visual representation of the different energy levels found in gamma-ray emission.

Evaluation of effective dose for gamma-rays of terrestrial gamma-ray flashes in aviation: spectral- and atmosphere-effects

Terrestrial Gamma-ray Flashes (TGFs) are intense and fast gamma-ray emissions, energy up to 100 MeV, generated within the Earth's atmosphere at altitudes below 20 km. Satellite observations indicate the TGFs are not a rare phenomenon, being produced on average at one per thunderstorm, yielding a global production rate of ≈35 TGFs/min within a latitude band of ±38°. Furthermore, the TGFs may coincide with the flight altitudes for several commercial aircraft routes, typically within the 10−14 km range, and thus cause passengers/crews unexpected exposure to large fluxes of high-energy ionizing radiation, namely for distances of the order of km.Herein, we introduce a novel approach based on a simple analytic/numeric methodology to estimate the TGFs gamma-ray emissions effective doses based on the differential fluence of photons at aircraft altitude and tabulated effective dose conversion coefficients versus the photon energy. For the first time, we examine the effective dose dependence on TGF's gamma-ray energy spectrum models found in literature and the atmosphere mass thickness crossed by the gamma-rays. Additionally, since the real irradiation geometry of the whole body in aircraft might be a combination of the several idealized geometries used in radiation protection, we considered beyond the typical anteroposterior (AP), the posteroanterior (PA), and the rotational (ROT) geometries as representative irradiation geometries in exposure to TGF gamma-ray's emissions.We calculated the effective dose versus the distance between the TGF site and the aircraft altitude (12.5 km) within the 0.1−5.0 km range and atmosphere mass thickness within the 3.3−213 g cm−2 range. Additionally, we calculated the average effective dose per fluence versus the atmosphere mass thickness crossed by the gamma-rays. At a distance of 1 km (34 g cm−2) and for the typical exponential cut-off power-law model (α = 1, EC = 7.3 MeV), the effective dose was within the 0.18−0.19 mSv range, being the respective average effective dose per fluence within the 10.8−11.6 pSv cm2 range. Moreover, for the variant of the exponential cut-off power-law model (α = 1, EC = 7.3 MeV, Emin = 1 MeV), the effective dose was within the 0.42−0.46 mSv range, being the respective average effective dose per fluence at 34 g cm−2 within the 12.7−13.6 pSv cm2 range.Generally, the data obtained agree with the scarce data found in the literature for similar conditions, evidencing the effect of the parameterization of the TGFs gamma-rays energy models, which may result in a 2- to 10-fold effective dose escalation. For the typical exponential cut-off power-law model (α = 1, EC = 7.3 MeV), the data obtained for an aircraft that passes through the vicinity of one TGF, with a distance of 1 km, points to an increase of the aircraft crew and passengers' doses of few tenths mSv over the cosmic radiation dose of few tens μSv along a typical flight of 6 h duration, representing ≈20% and ≈1% of the ICRP-2007 annual reference levels for passengers (1 mSv) and aircraft crew (20 mSv), respectively. More, with a distance of 0.5 km, the effective dose value is comparable with the annual dose for the aircraft crew due to the cosmic radiation for a typical yearly flight time of 500 h, representing ≈130% and ≈7% of the ICRP-2007 annual reference levels for passengers and aircraft crew, respectively.

Observation of Gamma Rays up to 320 TeV from the Middle-aged TeV Pulsar Wind Nebula HESS J1849−000

Gamma rays from HESS J1849−000, a middle-aged TeV pulsar wind nebula (PWN), are observed by the Tibet air shower array and the muon detector array. The detection significance of gamma rays reaches 4.0σ and 4.4σ levels above 25 TeV and 100 TeV, respectively, in units of the Gaussian standard deviation σ. The energy spectrum measured between 40 TeV < E < 320 TeV for the first time is described with a simple power-law function of . The gamma-ray energy spectrum from the sub-TeV (E < 1 TeV) to sub-PeV (100 TeV < E < 1 PeV) ranges, including the results of previous studies, can be modeled with the leptonic scenario, i.e., inverse Compton scattering by high-energy electrons accelerated by the PWN of PSR J1849−0001. On the other hand, the gamma-ray energy spectrum can also be modeled with the hadronic scenario in which gamma rays are generated from the decay of neutral pions produced by collisions between accelerated cosmic-ray protons and the ambient molecular cloud found in the gamma-ray-emitting region. The cutoff energy of cosmic-ray protons E p,cut is estimated as , suggesting that protons are accelerated up to the PeV energy range. Our study thus proposes that HESS J1849−000 should be further investigated as a new candidate as a Galactic PeV cosmic-ray accelerator, or “PeVatron.”

Thunderstorm ground enhancements observed on Aragats mountain in Armenia in the wintertime

Thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs) occur in the spring-autumn seasons at Aragats due to warm air updrafts that cause hydrometeor charging. However, particle detectors recorded three TGEs within 10 hours on February 7, 2023, despite the temperature being −10 °C. Upon analyzing the energy spectra of TGE electrons and gamma rays, it was discovered that the atmospheric electric-field strength above Aragats, at heights 3300–5300 m, could be around 2.1 kV/cm even in winter. We provide details on the fluxes and energy spectra of TGE electrons and gamma rays, as well as discuss models of cloud electrification in winter.

Energy Spectrum of Gamma Rays from the Crab Nebula, According to Data from the TAIGA Astrophysical Complex

Energy Spectrum of Gamma Rays from the Crab Nebula, According to Data from the TAIGA Astrophysical Complex

The energy spectrum of gamma-rays from the Crab Nebula according to the TAIGA astrophysical complex

We studied the spectrum of gamma-rays from the Crab Nebula in the energy range of 4–100 TeV, obtained from the data of two atmospheric Cherenkov telescopes, as part of the TAIGA complex. We described a technique for selection and reconstruction of gamma-rays energy, including a procedure for reconstruction the energy spectrum.

Response control of RPLGD for gamma-ray dose measurement using lead filters for BNCT

Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a cell-selective radiotherapy using a neutron capture reaction of 10B. In recent years, Accelerator Based Neutron Sources (ABNS) are under development instead of nuclear reactors for the next-generation neutron irradiation system for BNCT. However, ABNS as well as nuclear reactor usually generates unavoidable secondary gamma-rays by neutron-nuclear reactions such as capture reaction. In this research, we aimed to develop a separate measurement method of only gamma-rays in a mixed field of neutrons and gamma-rays using a fluorescent glass dosimeter (RPLGD), because most dosimeters have sensitivity to both radiation types. For this purpose, we proposed a lead filter method using two RPLGDs and lead filters. However, this method has a problem that the sensitivity to low energy gamma-rays (∼100 keV) is very small. In order to improve the sensitivity to low energy gamma-rays, we devised a method using a specially shaped lead filter. From theoretical calculations, we have shown that it was possible to estimate the air dose rate of the field where the gamma-ray energy spectrum shape was known for energies up to 10 MeV. In addition, we produced the specially shaped lead filter and experimentally confirmed the validity of the lead filter method using several gamma-ray standard sources and by measurements in a nuclear fuel storage room.