Development of a low-level 37Ar calibration standard. (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Williams, R.M.; Aalseth, C.E.; Bowyer, T.W.; Day, A.R.; Fuller, E.S.; Haas, D.A.; Hayes, J.C.; Hoppe, E.W.; Humble, P.H.; Keillor, M.E.; LaFerriere, B.D.; Mace, E.K.; McIntyre, J.I.; Miley, H.S.; Myers, A.W.; Orrell, J.L.; Overman, C.T.; Panisko, M.E.; Seifert, A.
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 109(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 430
• Page End: 434
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Absolute radiation measurement -- Length compensated proportional counting -- Ultra low-background -- Electroformed copper -- Uncertainty analysis; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.12.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Argon-37 is an environmental signature of an underground nuclear explosion. Producing and quantifying low-level 37 Ar standards is an important step in the development of sensitive field measurement instruments. This paper describes progress at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in developing a process to generate and quantify low-level 37 Ar standards, which can be used to calibrate sensitive field systems at activities consistent with soil background levels. This paper presents a discussion of the measurement analysis, along with assumptions and uncertainty estimates. Highlights: A process is described for producing Bq quantities of Ar-37 using D–T generator. Length-compensated proportional counting is used to quantify the specific activity. We discuss Ar-37 standards related to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty. An uncertainty analysis, following the ISO GUM guidelines, is presented.