Year
2009
Abstract
The goal of the generalized gamma-ray analysis software is to provide precise and accurate isotopic analyses of samples that do not have a standard experimental geometry. This analysis tool will analyze gamma-ray data from all types of measurement scenarios with little or no interaction from the user. This tool will also provide complete transparency regarding the gamma-ray peaks and branching intensities used in the analysis with the capability for the user to modify this information. We are currently at the data collection phase of building a validated spectral library. One of the by-products in this data collection phase is enabling us to reevaluate the two important branching ratios in 242Pu. These branching ratios are required for very high burn-up plutonium fuels. Our preliminary analysis shows that the energy of the states are 103.5 keV and 158.82 keV, the branching ratio are 1.36E-5 (9%) and 3.37E-6 (7%), respectively. More accurate measurements and analysis are currently being carried out.