Author
Earnshaw, Keith R.
Other Contributors
Preiss, Ivor L.; Aulenbach, Donald B.; Hockenbury, Robert W.; Matuszek, John M.; Reeves Robert R Jr;
Date Issued
1987-12
Subject
Engineering science
Degree
PhD;
Terms of Use
This electronic version is a licensed copy owned by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY. Copyright of original work retained by author.;
Abstract
It is concluded that the utility of HPGe detector systems may be enhanced through the use of solid, non-volatile cryogens.; A review of the applicability of Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) and Mercuric Iodide (HgI₂) room temperature semiconductor detectors for high-resolution gamma-ray spectroscopy was undertaken. It was concluded that no further evaluations with respect to these detectors were justified because of their limited geometric efficiency and intrinsic limitations such as incomplete charge collection, polarization, and crystal inhomogeneities.; Attention returned to germanium detection systems, since recent efforts in improving these detector systems have been so successful and their operating record has been so dependable over the past several years. However, cooling with liquid nitrogen (LN) has limited their application in some field monitoring situations. The study, therefore, was directed toward the investigation of alternate cooling methods for germanium detection systems and designing a system which would enhance their use in a variety of remote field conditions. The cooling capabilities of selected solid melting cryogens and the operating performance of a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector at elevated cryogen melting temperatures were evaluated.;
Description
December 1987
Department
Dept. of Engineering;
Publisher
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Relationships
Rensselaer Theses and Dissertations Online Collection;
Access
Restricted to current Rensselaer faculty, staff and students. Access inquiries may be directed to the Rensselaer Libraries.;