A method to calibrate a neutrino detector using the positron emitter 68Ge

A 68Ge source can be used to calibrate the positron detection efficiency of a liquid scintillation neutrino detector. A method to dissolve radioactive 68Ge in pseudocumene-based liquid scintillator is described. The homogeneity of the source distribution has been studied and results for two Ge compounds are discussed. Light yield and light attenuation length of the liquid scintillator are not affected by the Ge doping.