Configuration of an alpha–gamma coincidence spectrometer for utilization of safeguards measurements

An alpha–gamma coincidence spectrometry (AGCS) system was developed at the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) Safeguards Analytical Laboratory (SAL) in order to improve the detection of alpha–gamma emitting radionuclides of relevance for safeguards, such as 239Pu and 241Am. The AGCS design was based upon a linear gate, whose resolving time is dependent upon the amplifiers’ shaping time constants (STC). A coincidence spectrum of a Pu/Am sample was acquired which showed that the AGCS system could be utilized in safeguards measurements.