액체섬광계수기를 이용한 환경시료중 $^{241}Pu$분석

Determination of $^{241}Pu$ in Environmental Samples Using Liquid Scintillation Counting System

알파방출핵종 존재하에 베타방출핵종인 $^{241}Pu$ 최적 분석조건을 검토하였다. 펄스파고 분석기법을 이용하여 PSA 준위를 설정하였다. $^{241}Pu$ 표준선원을 이용하여 figure of merit가 최대가 되도록 $^{241}Pu$ counting channel를 조정하였고 계측효율이 최대가 되도록 형광체 부피를 설정하였다. 최적화된 $^{241}Pu$ 분석법을 토양과 이끼등의 환경시료에 적용하여 $^{241}Pu$ 방사능농도를 측정하였고. $^{241}Pu/^{239,\;240}Pu$ 방사능 비율로부터 우리나라의 일부 토양 및 이끼에 침적된 Pu의 근원을 규명하였다.

An optimized method for determining beta-emitting $^{241}Pu$ in the presence of alpha-emitting nuclides was developed using a liquid scintillation counting system. Pulse shape analysis (PSA) level was set using pulse-shape discrimination method and the $^{241}Pu$ counting channel was adjusted for maximum value of figure of merit using the 241pu standard source. The volume of scintillant was determined for the maximum value of counting efficiency. This optimized method has been applied to environmental samples to measure concentration of $^{241}Pu$ in soils and mosses. Also it has been identified the origin of Pu deposited in Korea from the activity ratio of $^{241}Pu/^{239,\;240}Pu$.