Gamma Spectrometry Compton Suppression System - AWARD

Tender description

A gamma spectrometry Compton suppression system comprising of an ultra-lowbackground shield coupled with a cosmic veto system would reduce the inherent background of natural and cosmic gamma radiation enabling ultra-precise measurements of trace gamma radiation within any given sample. This highly specialist equipment (mostly found at military or government facilities) will significantly extend the University of Southampton's capability to deliver UK and internationally-leading fundamental and applied research into nuclear characterisation and remediation technologies, building on capability provided by the EPSRC-funded national NNUF-EXACT facility. The commissioning of this system will facilitate characterisation of low-abundant gamma-emitting radionuclides, supporting multiple core research areas in nuclear decommissioning, waste characterisation technology development, environmental testing, and remediation technology evaluation. Based on both the high-quality research / publications and enhanced enterprise activities that would be enabled by the purchase of a gamma spectrometry Compton suppression system, a grant has been awarded by EPSRC under the unmet equipment needs framework.