Module Details |
| The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module. |
| Title | HIGH RESOLUTION GAMMA SPECTROMETRY | ||
| Code | PHYS804 | ||
| Coordinator |
Professor DT Joss Physics David.Joss@liverpool.ac.uk |
||
| Year | CATS Level | Semester | CATS Value |
| Session 2024-25 | Level 7 FHEQ | Whole Session | 15 |
Aims |
|
|
To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of all aspects of high resolution gamma-spectrometry using germanium detectors. |
|
Learning Outcomes |
|
|
(LO1) Describe how the gamma rays interact with materials and relate these interactions to features in a gamma-ray spectrum. |
|
|
(LO2) To be able to describe the construction and operating principles of germanium detectors. |
|
|
(LO3) To be able to describe the electrical pulse processing principles in analogue and digital systems and evaluate the effect of changing system parameters on gamma-ray spectra. |
|
|
(LO4) The ability to set up and use a gamma ray spectrometer in a variety of applications |
|
|
(LO5) To critique an unseen gamma-ray spectrum and create a report that summarises your findings. |
|
|
(S1) Problem-solving skills |
|
|
(S2) Mathematical Skills |
|
|
(S3) Analytical skills |
|
|
(S4) ICT / Computational Skills |
|
|
(S5) Investigative skills |
|
|
(S6) Communication skills |
|
Syllabus |
|
|
1 Radioactive decay and the origin of gamma radiation and X-radiation; sources and quantitites of radionuclides. Interaction of gamma radiation with matter. Features of a gamma spectrum. Germanium detectors: semi-conductors and mechanisms, types of detector available, detector specification (resolution, efficiency, peak to Compton ratio). Pulse processing; pulse types; pre-amp, unipolar, bipolar, gated integrator; impedance. Preamplifiers: resistive feedback and transistor rest. Linear amplifiers: pole-zero cancellation, baseline restoration, pile up rejection. ADC function: differential and integral linearity; conversion gain and resolution; Wilkinson and successive approximation ADCs; system dead time and dead time correction methods. |
|
Teaching and Learning Strategies |
|
|
Teaching Method 1 |
|
Teaching Schedule |
| Lectures | Seminars | Tutorials | Lab Practicals | Fieldwork Placement | Other | TOTAL | |
| Study Hours |
8 |
28 |
36 | ||||
| Timetable (if known) | |||||||
| Private Study | 118 | ||||||
| TOTAL HOURS | 154 | ||||||
Assessment |
||||||
| EXAM | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| CONTINUOUS | Duration | Timing (Semester) |
% of final mark |
Resit/resubmission opportunity |
Penalty for late submission |
Notes |
| Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a | 0 | 50 | ||||
| Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a | 0 | 50 | ||||
Recommended Texts |
|
| Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module. | |