Configuration of an alpha-gamma coincidence spectrometer for utilization of safeguards measurements

An alpha-gamma coincidence spectrometry (AGCS) system was developed at the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory (SAL) in order to improve the detection of alpha-gamma emitting radionuclides of relevance for safeguards, such as 239Pu and 241Am. The AGCS design was based upon a linear gate, whose resolving time is dependent upon the amplifiers' shaping time constants (STC). A coincidence spectrum of a Pu/Am sample was acquired which showed that the AGCS system could be utilized in safeguards measurements.