Overview
The RADLab’s radiometric systems include:
- static and portable High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detectors
- diamond detectors
- Thermoluminescent Dosimeter (TLD) reading capabilities
Based within a leading fusion research facility, we deliver high-precision radiometric measurement services and pioneering diagnostic solutions. These support the development, optimisation, and safety of fusion energy systems. We also provide training opportunities for universities, training providers and industry.
Our mission is to empower the global fusion community with reliable, data-driven insights that accelerate the path to sustainable, clean energy.
Capabilities
Our operations are built upon five core pillars that define our approach and drive our impact:
- waste assay services
- research support services – measurements for internal and external fusion-based research programmes
- experimental benchmarking of neutronics codes
- neutron diagnostics research and development
- gamma diagnostics research and development
ADRIANA
The RADLab houses the UKAEA part of the Advanced Digital Radiometric Instrumentation for Applied Nuclear Activities (ADRIANA).
ADRIANA, combining facilities at UKAEA, Lancaster University and the University of Liverpool, is a suite of digital radiometric instrumentation that forms part of the National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF).
The RADLab maintains instrumentation for:
- high resolution gamma spectroscopy with Compton suppression and cosmic veto
- real-time fast and thermal neutron spectrometry
- low dose monitoring
- a growing capability to custom-build electronics
Access RADLab
Users can access the RADLab facilities in a number of ways:
- hands-on training and experience with all or a selection of the equipment
- access to the equipment for taking measurements
- loan of the equipment
- dedicated UKAEA resource to take measurements on your behalf
Contact RADLab team
The sample acceptance criteria for the RADLab are as follows:
- Dose Rate: 0 µSv/hr to 123 µSv/hr contact
- Contamination: Low or in sealed container
Contact our team to access the lab.
Instrument specification
- high temperature fast and thermal neutron detectors with electronics
- optimised for hot environments and confined spaces
- maximum operating temperature 200°C
- H7-HT radiation hardness 1MGy
- multiple programmable linear heating cycles
- 30 second cycle time per detector
- heating temperature capability up to 400°C
- measurement range – 10 µGy to 1 Gy
BEGe detector with Nal Compton Suppression
- full LabSOCS characterisation
- energy range from 3 keV to 3 MeV
- detection efficiencies and energy resolution optimised in the 3 keV to 662 keV energy region
- cooled with LN2 using a cryo-cycler
- samples must be less than the cavity diameter of 9 cm.
- optional hardware for Compton Suppression (ring of NaI detectors)
- housed in a lead castle for low background measurements
- Model: BE3825
- Typical Rel. Co60 Eff. (%): 26
- FWHM at 5.9 keV: 0.34
- FWHM at 122 keV: 0.58
- FWHM at 1332 keV: 1.69
- PROFILE MX-Series GEM P-type detector
- characterised MCNP model and Ortec ISOTOPIC modelling capability
- listmode readout data format
190% RE coaxial HPGe detector
- Model: GEM-MX94100
- Typical Rel. Co60 Eff. (%): 175
- FWHM at 122 keV: 1.30
- FWHM at 1332 keV: 2.30
- characterised MCNP model and Ortec ISOTOPIC modelling capability
- portable:
- easy for one person to carry, lead collar lifting/carrying equipment included
- trolley for easy manoeuvring
- electrically cooled using a Stirling-cycle cooler
- large items can be measured (e.g. waste drums, pipes, etc.)
Trans-SPEC Portable HPGe system
- Model: Trans-SPEC-DX-100T
- Typical Rel. Co60 Eff. (%): 55
- FWHM at 122 keV: 1.57
- FWHM at 1332 keV: 2.37
- Ortec ISOTOPIC modelling capability
- housed in a lead castle for low background measurements
- Model: GEM35P4-PLB
- Typical Rel. Co60 Eff. (%): 38
- FWHM at 122 keV: 0.71
- FWHM at 1332 keV: 1.7
- Ortec ISOTOPIC modelling capability
- portable:
- equipped with internal battery and line power
- easy for one person to carry, lead collar lifting/carrying equipment included
- trolley for easy manoeuvring
- electrically cooled using a Stirling-cycle cooler
- large items can be measured (e.g. waste drums, pipes, etc.)
- Model: IDM-200-V
- Typical Rel. Co60 Eff. (%): 54
- FWHM at 122 keV: 1.17
- FWHM at 1332 keV: 2.11