Sensitivity and low-energy response of the Small Anode Germanium well detector with ceramic insert

0A Small Anode Germanium (SAGe) detector was recently installed in the Shallow Underground Laboratory (SUL) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The unique electrode structure and the short signal wire length in the detector guarantees superior energy resolution than traditional well detectors. The detector is inside an ultra-low background graded lead shield and is fitted with a CosmicGuard (TM) cosmic veto background reduction system. In this work, the capabilities of this SAGe well detection system were explored using samples with broad characteristics (a Heisenberg cube and individual samples containing Tb-161 and Ba-140). The results demonstrate impeccable sensitivity of the system to resolve low-energy complex spectra and provide trustworthy activity estimates by correcting for cascade summing effects.

Automated summary

A Small Anode Germanium (SAGe) detector installed recently at the Shallow Underground Laboratory (SUL) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) demonstrates impeccable sensitivity in resolving low-energy complex spectra and providing reliable activity estimates by correcting for cascade summing effects. The unique electrode structure and short signal wire length in the detector ensure superior energy resolution compared to traditional well detectors. The detector is housed in an ultra-low background graded lead shield and equipped with a CosmicGuard (TM) cosmic veto background reduction system.