A shallow underground laboratory for low-background radiation measurements and materials development

作者：Aalseth C E^*; Bonicalzi R M; Cantaloub M G; Day A R; Erikson L E; Fast J; Forrester J B; Fuller E S; Glasgow B D; Greenwood L R; Hoppe E W; Hos**ach T W; Hyronimus B J; Keillor M E; Mace E K; McIntyre J I; Merriman J H; Myers A W; Overman C T; Overman N R; Panisko M E; Seifert A; Warren G A; Runkle R C

来源：Review of Scientific Instruments, 2012, 83(11): 113503.

DOI：10.1063/1.4761923

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory recently commissioned a new shallow underground laboratory, located at a depth of approximately 30 meters-water-equivalent. This new addition to the small class of radiation measurement laboratories located at modest underground depths houses the latest generation of custom-made, high-efficiency, low-background gamma-ray spectrometers and gas proportional counters. This paper describes the unique capabilities present in the shallow underground laboratory; these include large-scale ultra-pure materials production and a suite of radiation detection systems. Reported data characterize the degree of background reduction achieved through a combination of underground location, graded shielding, and rejection of cosmic-ray events. We conclude by presenting measurement targets and future opportunities.

• 出版日期2012-11