Monte Carlo simulation of beta radiation response function for semiconductor Si detector

Abstract

This paper describes the modeling of the Passivated Implanted Planar Silicon (PIPS) detector for the beta particles response function simulations with the MCNP-5 code. The simulated and measured energy response functions were compared and a good agreement was found in the entire range of energies. The verified model of a PIPS detector was applied in a non-destructive method that determines the activity of beta emitters in the sample with a known geometry and atomic number densities. The procedure for the identification of beta emitters in the samples was also described. Finally, the application of the proposed method for the determination of 137Cs and 90Sr activity in water samples taken from the RA reactor spent fuel storage pools and from the paper filter taken from an air monitor operated during repackaging of spent fuel elements, was presented. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All right reserved.