Sensitivity studies of beta-radiation detector based on small-crystalline scintillator ZnSe(Te)

Abstract

A new large area β-detector has been designed and studied. The design includes wedge-shaped light transducers. A composite material based on a small crystalline ZnSe(Te) was applied onto the wide surface of light transducer. This design ensures optimum light collection from the large sensitive surface onto the output window of a much smaller size. An experimental specimen has been prepared, which showed a β-sensitivity Cβ=5.5 cm². The spectrograms of a ⁹⁰Sr+⁹⁰Y β-source obtained with the specimen under study make it possible to evaluate the age of the source by the ratio of low- and high-energy regions of the spectrum. Other designs are proposed for application of large-area detectors possessing wedge-shaped light transducers as elements of assembled constructions for high efficiency detectors operating under flow conditions.