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 Dr AJ Boston
Physics
A.J.Boston@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 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
Knowledge of the interaction of gamma-rays with material
Knowledge of germanium detectors (construction and uses)

Familiarity of the electronics and data acquisition systems

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

Syllabus
1  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

Lecture -

Laboratory Work -


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
Unseen Written Exam  1 hour  n/a  33  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 2 Notes (applying to all assessments) Practicals during module Test during module  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Practical Assessment    n/a  67  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: