Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

Video tour
Experiment Guide
1.  Pre-Lab
2.  Guide
3.  Other required experiments
4.  Banana γ
Related Material
1. Knoll, G, Radiation Detection and Measurement, Chapters 2 and 10. (Optional).
2.  γ Ray Spectrum Catalog
3.  UCS 20 Manual
4.  Pulse Height Analysis
5.  Compton Scattering
6.  Radiation & Health Effects
Useful Links
1.  Nobel Prize
2.  PMT Review
3.  PMT Manual
4.  Logic Components
5.  Who invented your detector?
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overview

This experiment gives you the opportunity to study high energy photons from radioactive nuclear decays. These photons have energies that are characteristic of the specific initial- and final- state nuclear energy levels and thus provide a means of studying the energy levels, nuclear reactions, and also provide a way to identify radioactive nuclear species in test samples. You will explore several different nuclear "fingerprints." You will also learn about scintillators, photomultiplier tubes, and pulse height analysis. [This experiment uses the same electronics as the gamma ray coincidence experiment, so they cannot be done by different teams at the same time.]
Your report should show results for and discuss ALL the experiments in the Pre-lab, Guide and Other Required Experiments files.