Germanium-Detector BROAD ENERGY

University of Salzburg

Salzburg | Website

Open for Collaboration

Short Description

The BROAD ENERGY germanium detector (manufacturer: Mirion Technologies, model: BE5030P) is a high-purity germanium detector for gamma spectrometric analysis and features a carbon entrance window. It covers an energy range from 3 keV to 3 MeV and is particularly optimized for the range from 3 keV to 662 keV. The detector consists of a germanium crystal with an active area of ​​5000 mm², a diameter of 80 mm, and a thickness of 30 mm.

Due to its geometry, the detector is particularly suitable for close-coupled measurement setups, such as measurements on filters or shallow sample containers like culture dishes, whose maximum diameter should not exceed 70 mm. Furthermore, the detector is characterized by a very low background value.

Contact Person

Amtsdirektor Mag. Dr. Alexander Hubmer

Research Services

Gamma spectrometric analysis

Methods & Expertise for Research Infrastructure

Measurement of artificial and natural gamma radionuclides in all types of media. Conducting research projects and, where applicable, contract measurements. Samples for gamma spectrometry may include soil, vegetation, sediment, food, mushroom, ash, rock, filter, or water samples. Prior to measurement, the samples are prepared accordingly. Depending on the type of sample, preparation steps may include sieving, grinding, drying, weighing, homogenizing, or evaporating. The prepared samples are then filled into plastic containers of various volumes (20 cm³ to 1000 cm³) and measured using a Broad Energy germanium detector. The measurement results provide the activity of the gamma radionuclides contained in the sample, expressed in becquerels (Bq). Due to its special design, the Broad Energy detector is particularly well suited for detecting low-energy radionuclides such as lead-210 (Pb-210), americium-241 (Am-241), and thorium-234 (Th-234).

Allocation to research infrastructure

Radiological laboratory