Multiple Gamma-Ray Detection Capability of a CeBr₃ Detector for Gamma Spectroscopy

The newly developed cerium tribromide (CeBr₃) detector has reduced intrinsic gamma-ray activity with gamma energy restricted to 1400-2200 keV energy range. This narrower region of background gamma rays allows the CeBr₃ detector to detect more than one gamma ray to analyze the gamma-ray spectrum. Use of multiple gamma-ray intensities in elemental analysis instead of a single one improves the accuracy of the estimated results. Multigamma-ray detection capability of a cylindrical 75 mm × 75 mm (diameter × height) CeBr₃ detector has been tested by analyzing the chlorine concentration in water samples using eight chlorine prompt gamma rays over 517 to 8578 keV energies utilizing a D-D portable neutron generator-based PGNAA setup and measuring the corresponding minimum detection limit (MDC) of chlorine. The measured MDC of chlorine for gamma rays with 517-8578 keV energies varies from 0.07 ± 0.02 wt% to 0.80 ± 0.24. The best value of MDC was measured to be 0.07 ± 0.02 wt% for 788 keV gamma rays. The experimental results are in good agreement with Monte Carlo calculations. The study has shown excellent detection capabilities of the CeBr₃ detector for eight prompt gamma rays over 517-8578 keV energy range without significant background interference.