Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title HIGH RESOLUTION GAMMA SPECTROMETRY
Code PHYS804
Coordinator Professor AJ Boston
Physics
Andrew.Boston@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 7.5

Aims

To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of all aspects of high resolution gamma-spectrometry using germanium detectors.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge of the interaction of gamma-rays with material

(LO2) Knowledge of germanium detectors (construction and uses)

(LO3) Familiarity of the electronics and data acquisition systems

(LO4) The ability to set up and use a gamma ray spectrometer in a variety of applications

(S1) Problem solving skills


Syllabus

 

1 Radioactive decay and the origin of gamma radiation and X-radiation; sources and quantitites of radionuclides. Interaction of gamma radiation with matter. Features of a gamma spectrum. Germanium detectors: semi-conductors and mechanisms, types of detector available, detector specification (resolution, efficiency, peak to Compton ratio). Pulse processing; pulse types; pre-amp, unipolar, bipolar, gated integrator; impedance. Preamplifiers: resistive feedback and transistor rest. Linear amplifiers: pole-zero cancellation, baseline restoration, pile up rejection. ADC function: differential and integral linearity; conversion gain and resolution; Wilkinson and successive approximation ADCs; system dead time and dead time correction methods.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture Description: Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work Description:


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

    20

    32
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 43
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a    33       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a    67       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.