Gamma laboratory

The Gamma laboratory of the Nuclear Security Department is situated on the ground floor of Building 21 at the KFKI Campus. This Gamma laboratory is equipped with a wide range of gamma detectors for diverse use:

• HPGe (high-purity germanium) detectors for precise qualitative and quantitative analysis
  (coaxial, planar and well-type for special uses)
• LaBr₃ scintillation detectors capable of handling higher radiation fields
• Compact CZT (CdZnTe) detectors for hard-to-reach measurement positions

Nearly all of our detectors are capable of field use, this is especially important in regard to nuclear forensics and industrial sites. We are also participating in many (both national and international) projects focusing on nuclear security and safeguards (see Reference Projects).

With our expertise and equipment, we can determine the following:

• Gamma-emitting radioactive isotope composition and activity
• Uranium/Thorium isotopic composition and mass
• Uranium age (time elapsed since the last chemical separation) and reprocessed character
• Plutonium identification and isotopic composition

Reference Projects:

• Field and laboratory measurements of confiscated nuclear and radioactive samples
• Paks NPP: Nuclear content determination after re-capsulating of damaged spent fuel assemblies
• Paks NPP: Burnup measurement and irradiation history validation of spent fuel assemblies
• Paks NPP: Verification of U-enrichment in fresh fuel assemblies
• Paks NPP: Measurement of (radioactive) corrosion products in the primary and auxiliary (CVCS) circuits
• Determining isotope composition of radioactive waste
• Helping in reducing radioactive waste during decommissioning
• IPNDV: Nuclear disarmament verification

Please contact Péter Völgyesi (peter.volgyesi@ek-cer.hu) for further information.