Evaluation of bismuth germanate detectors

During International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards inspections, one of the activities is the verification of materials in the inventory through quantitative or qualitative measurements. Performance of these measurements requires an array of sophisticated detectors, electronics, shields, and stands. This requires the transport and handling of delicate systems that are both heavy and bulky. The increasing sophistication and miniaturization of electronic and computer systems have led to progressive reductions in both the weight and the bulk of such electronics. However, to take full advantage of these improvements, similar reductions must also occur in the size and weight of the detectors. The purpose of this study was to explore the usefulness of one type of new detector, the bismuth germinate (BGO) scintillator. The purpose was to test detectors for their performance at high (fission products) and low ({sup 235}U) photon energies. Information is also provided on other scintillators, including those using photodiode-coupled cesium iodide and germanium orthosilicate.