Year
2018
Abstract
An International Database (IDB) consisting of uranium and plutonium gamma-ray spectra has been established as an online repository to serve as a reference for gamma spectrometry analysis code development, and for maintenance and sustenance of the codes. The IDB spectra will benefit a broad range of end users across the entire nuclear fuel cycle, as well as safeguards organizations, instrument developers and research institutions. The reference spectra in the IDB will be useful towards improving software quality assurance measures for new and existing gamma spectrometry analysis codes. The database is managed by the International Working Group on Gamma Spectrometry Techniques for U/Pu Isotopics and is hosted by the European Safeguards Research and Development Association. The spectra included in the database have different compositions of U, Pu, and mixed oxide (MOX) material. Gamma-ray spectra from U, Pu, and MOX samples have been populated and organized under three main sections: (i) Good quality spectra, (ii) Lower quality spectra, and (iii) Unusual spectra. Criteria have been defined for the inclusion of spectra into these three sections. The spectra are further organized according to material type analyzed, detector type/energy resolution, and gain settings. An automated routine called AUTOISOPLUM is used to analyze spectral contributions and aid in their categorization. The paper describes the purpose and background of the IDB as well as provides references to other publications that could offer more comprehensive information on the topics discussed. The paper provides succinct and pertinent background information about the isotopic codes used in the spectral analysis, descriptions of the various materials included in measurements, and examples of the types of detectors and gain settings that should be used. Finally, an overview of the entire IDB folder structure is given. Information is provided on downloading or uploading gamma ray spectra.