MEGA: a low-background radiation detector

Author

Kazkaz, Kareem ; Aalseth, Craig E. ; Hossbach, Todd W. ; Gehman, Victor M. ; Kephart, Jeremy D. ; Miley, Harry S.

Author_Institution

Univ. of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

Volume

51

Issue

3

fYear

2004

fDate

6/1/2004 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1029

Lastpage

1033

Abstract

The multiple-element gamma assay (MEGA) is a low-background detector designed to support environmental monitoring and national security applications. MEGA also demonstrates technology needed for Majorana, a next generation neutrino mass experiment. It will employ active and passive shielding to reduce backgrounds. It will also exploit multicoincidence signatures to identify specific radioactive isotopes. MEGA is expected to begin testing in late 2003 for eventual installation at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, Carlsbad, NM.

Keywords

gamma-ray detection; germanium radiation detectors; neutrino detection; neutrino mass; nuclear power stations; radioactive pollution; radioactive waste disposal; radioisotopes; Carlsbad; HPGe detector; MEGA low-background radiation detector; Majorana neutrino mass experiment; Waste Isolation Pilot Plant; active shielding; environmental monitoring; multicoincidence; multiple-element gamma assay; national security applications; passive shielding; radioactive isotopes; Gamma ray detection; Gamma ray detectors; Germanium; Isotopes; Laboratories; Monitoring; National security; Pollution measurement; Radiation detectors; Spectroscopy; Author, please supply your own keywords or send a blank e-mail to keywords@ieee.org to receive a list of suggested keywords;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9499

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TNS.2004.829528

Filename

1312011