Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
8174372 | Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment | 2015 | 6 Pages |
Abstract
This study describes a novel sample preparation and assay method developed, primarily in support of the Majorana Demonstrator neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment, for the determination of extremely low levels of Th and U in copper and lead shielding components. Meticulously clean sample preparation methods combined with anion exchange separations for analyte pre-concentration and matrix removal were developed. Quantification was performed by isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Detection limits of 0.0084 pg 232Th/g (0.034 µBq 232Th/kg) and 0.0106 pg 238U/g (0.131 µBq 238U/kg) were determined for copper, while detection limits of 0.23 pg 232Th/g (0.94 µBq 232Th/kg) and 0.46 pg 238U/g (5.7 µBq 238U/kg) were achieved for lead. These methods allow the Majorana Collaboration to accurately assay detector components and ensure that the experiment׳s stringent radiopurity requirements are met.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Physics and Astronomy
Instrumentation
Authors
B.D. LaFerriere, T.C. Maiti, I.J. Arnquist, E.W. Hoppe,