CeBr3 Gamma Ray Detector - a substitute for LaCl3:Ce Gamma Ray Detector in Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

Gamma-ray Spectroscopy technique is commonly used in Planetary Exploration Missions. For remote gamma-ray spectroscopy of planetary surfaces , low gamma-ray flux poses serious challenge. For Mars and Mercury surfaces , it is of the order of few counts per minute per cm2. This requires high resolution, fast, radiation hardened , robust and room temperature operated detectors. The new lanthanide scintillators (LaBr3:Ce and LaCl3:Ce) are particularly suitable for the such applications. Development of new CeBr3 detector (2012-13) in lanthanide scintillators series, a step further in technology. La( Z=57, M= 138.9) and Ce ( Z=58, M= 140.9) belong to rare earth elements group; 138Ce and 140Ce are the daughters of the long-lived primordial radionuclides 138La and 144Nd.

LaBr3:Ce and LaCl3:Ce Detector CeBr3 Detector Operation at at room temperature 2-3% energy resolution for 661 keV gamma rays. 100-600 ps time resolution High detection efficiency High light output per keV( 64 photons /keV) Fast decay time (16 ns) are. 313 ps time resolution (LaBr3:Ce (5%)) 4 x 4x 30 mm crystal (array) High intrinsic activity of LaBr3:Ce and LaCl3:Ce detectors due to 138La contaminants, restrict the applications in very low counting experiment Chloride contents of LaCl3:Ce detector, restrict its use in chloride analysis through prompt gamma ray spectroscopy Operation at at room temperature 4.1 % energy resolution for 661 keV gamma rays. comparable light out put ( 45 photons /keV), fast decay time of 17.2 ns Comparable time resolution of 350 ps light yield comparable with LaCl3:Ce detector An order of magnitude less intrinsic activity than the LaCl3:Ce detectors. Lack of chloride contents , enable its application in chloride analysis through prompt gamma ray spectroscopy

Intrinsic Activity of LaBr3:Ce and LaCl3:Ce Detectors La-138 decays by both electron capture (66.4%) and beta decay (33.6%). The electron capture produces (100%) a 1435.8-keV gamma ray, often in coincidence with a Ba K x-ray of approximately 31-38 keV The - decay (255-keV endpoint) produces (100%) a 788.7-keV gamma ray.

227Ac contamination in LaBr3:Ce and CeBr3

CeBr3 detector- An improved version of Lanthanum Halide Series Gamma Ray Detectors. CeBr3 & LaCl3:Ce Detectors Performance Tests using Gamma Ray Sources and Thermal Neutron Activation

Neutron Activation Spectrum of CeBr3 Detector used for Energy Resolution Measurements Very Low Energy Spectrum Low Energy Spectrum

Detector Performance Tests for Detection of Toxic Metal in Water Measurements of Mercury Boron Cadmium Chlorine in water sample for environmental program

Chlorine High Energy Spectrum Measurements of Chlorine in water sample-Energy Calibration using Nickel Spectrum Nickel Spectrum Chlorine High Energy Spectrum

Efficiency Data LaBr3:Ce and NaI