Utilizing Delayed Gamma-Rays to Establish Fission Yields of Short-Lived Isotopes

Year
2014
Author(s)
Steve Reese - Oregon State University
A. Favalli - Los Alamos National Laboratory
L.W. Campbell - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
R. Williford - Oregon State University
B. Ludewigt - Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory
D.C. Rodriguez - Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
M. Iliev - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Abstract
Delayed gamma-ray spectroscopy is under consideration by the Next Generation Safeguard Ini- tiative to determine the isotopic composition of spent fuel. However,ssion yields for short-livedssion products are not well known. Improved accuracy of these yields could improve many appli- cations, including not only delayed-gamma spectroscopy of spent nuclear fuel but also burn-up depletion codes, and fundamental nuclear sciences. We have developed a method to analyze list-mode data of delayed gamma-ray signatures to extractssion yields of short-lived isotopes and have applied this to measured spectra of uranium and plutonium isotopes. We will report new values ofssion yields and the application of these results towards nuclear safeguards and security.