An increasing number of cancer patients is treated with proton beams or other light ion beams which allow to deliver dose precisely to the tumor. However, the depth dose distribution of these particles, which enables this precision, is sensitive to deviations from the treatment plan, as e.g. anatomical changes. Thus, to assure the quality of the treatment, a non-invasive in-vivo dose verification is highly desired. This monitoring of particle therapy relies on the detection of secondary radiation which is produced by interactions between the beam particles and the nuclei of the patient’s tissue. Up to now, the only clinically applied method for in-vivo dosimetry is Positron Emission Tomography which makes use of the beta+-activity produced during the irradiation (PT-PET). Since from a PT-PET measurement the applied dose cannot be directly deduced, the simulated distribution of beta+-emitting nuclei is used as a basis for the analysis of the measured PT-PET data. Therefore, the reliable modeling of the production rates and the spatial distribution of the beta+-emitters is required. PT-PET applied during instead of after the treatment is referred to as in-beam PET. A challenge concerning in-beam PET is the design of the PET camera, because a standard full-ring scanner is not feasible. For instance, a double-head PET camera is applicable, but low count rates and the limited solid angle coverage can compromise the image quality. For this reason, a detector system which provides a time resolution allowing the incorporation of time-of-flight information (TOF) into the iterative reconstruction algorithm is desired to improve the quality of the reconstructed images. Secondly, Prompt Gamma Imaging (PGI), a technique based on the detection of prompt gamma-rays, is currently pursued. Concerning the emissions of prompt gamma-rays during particle irradiation, experimental data is not sufficiently available, making simulations necessary. Compton cameras are based on the detection of incoherently scattered photons and are investigated with respect to PGI. Monte Carlo simulations serve for the optimization of the camera design and the evaluation of criteria for the selection of measured events. Thus, for in-beam PET and PGI dedicated detection systems and, moreover, profound knowledge about the corresponding radiation fields are required. Using various simulation codes, this thesis contributes to the modelling of the beta+-emitters and photons produced during particle irradiation, as well as to the evaluation and optimization of hardware for both techniques. Concerning the modeling of the production of the relevant beta+-emitters, the abilities of the Monte Carlo simulation code PHITS and of the deterministic, one-dimensional code HIBRAC were assessed. The Monte Carlo tool GEANT4 was applied for an additional comparison. For irradiations with protons, helium, lithium, and carbon, the depth-dependent yields of the simulated beta+-emitters were compared to experimental data. In general, PHITS underestimated the yields of the considered beta+-emitters in contrast to GEANT4 which provided acceptable values. HIBRAC was substantially extended to enable the modeling of the depth-dependent yields of specific nuclides. For proton beams and carbon ion beams HIBRAC can compete with GEANT4 for this application. Since HIBRAC is fast, compact, and easy to modify, it could be a basis for the simulations of the beta+-emitters in clinical application. PHITS was also applied to the modeling of prompt gamma-rays during proton irradiation following an experimental setup. From this study, it can be concluded that PHITS could be an alternative to GEANT4 in this context. Another aim was the optimization of Compton camera prototypes. GEANT4 simulations were carried out with the focus on detection probabilities and the rate of valid events. Based on the results, the feasibility of a Compton camera setup consisting of a CZT detector and an LSO or BGO detector was confirmed. Several recommendations concerning the design and arrangement of the Compton camera prototype were derived. Furthermore, several promising event selection strategies were evaluated. The GEANT4 simulations were validated by comparing simulated to measured energy depositions in the detector layers. This comparison also led to the reconsideration of the efficiency of the prototype. A further study evaluated if electron-positron pairs resulting from pair productions could be detected with the existing prototype in addition to Compton events. Regarding the efficiency and the achievable angular resolution, the successful application of the considered prototype as pair production camera to the monitoring of particle therapy is questionable. Finally, the application of a PET camera consisting of Resistive Plate Chambers (RPCs) providing a good time resolution to in-beam PET was discussed. A scintillator-based PET camera based on a commercially available scanner was used as reference. This evaluation included simulations of the detector response, the image reconstructions using various procedures, and the analysis of image quality. Realistic activity distributions based on real treatment plans for carbon ion therapy were used. The low efficiency of the RPC-based PET camera led to images of poor quality. Neither visually nor with the semi-automatic tool YaPET a reliable detectability of range deviations was possible. The incorporation of TOF into the iterative reconstruction algorithm was especially advantageous for the considered RPC-based PET camera in terms of convergence and artifacts. The application of the real-time capable back projection method Direct TOF for the RPCbased PET camera resulted in an image quality comparable to the one achieved with the iterative algorihms. In total, this study does not indicate the further investigation of RPC-based PET cameras with similar efficiency for in-beam PET application. To sum up, simulation studies were performed aimed at the progress of in-vivo dosimetry. Regarding the modeling of the beta+-emitter production and prompt gamma-ray emissions, different simulation codes were evaluated. HIBRAC could be a basis for clinical PT-PET simulations, however, a detailed validation of the underlying cross section models is required. Several recommendations for the optimization of a Compton Camera prototype resulted from systematic variations of the setup. Nevertheless, the definite evaluation of the feasibility of a Compton camera for PGI can only be performed by further experiments. For PT-PET, the efficiency of the detector system is the crucial factor. Due to the obtained results for the considered RPC-based PET camera, the focus should be kept to scintillator-based PET cameras for this purpose.

Dans cette thèse nous présentons la conception, l'étude des performances et les premiers tests, effectues au Cosmic Muon Telescope situe au SLAC, d'un nouveau détecteur d'identification des particules émises dans la région ''avant'' du détecteur SuperB.Ce détecteur est base une technique de temps de vol (TOF). Pour identifier les particules avec une impulsion jusqu'à 3GeV/c et une distance de vol de l'ordre de deux mètres nous avons besoin d'un détecteur TOF capable de mesurer le temps avec une précision typique de 30 ps. Pour atteindre cet objectif nous avons conçu un composant pour lequel le passage d'une particule chargée produit de la lumière Cherenkov dans un ''fused silica'' (quartz) radiator qui est ensuite détectée par des photodétecteurs tres rapides et une électronique rapide dédiée. Nous l'appelons détecteur DIRC-like TOF.Les photodétecteurs HAMAMATSU SL-10 MCP-PMT ont été caractérises sur faisceau de test au LAL et la résolution en temps d'environ 37 ps a été mesurée. La nouvelle électronique 16-canaux USB WaveCatcher développée au LAL(CNRS/IN2P3) et CEA/IRFU montre un jitter de moins de 10 ps. La géometrie du détecteur a quartz a été étudiée avec une attention particulière a l'aide d'une simulation Geant4. Celle-ci montre que la meilleure géométrie permet d'atteindre une résolution en temps d'environ 90 ps par photoélectron avec au moins 10 photoélectrons détectés, donnant en moyenne la résolution totale désirée de 30 ps.Nous avons construit un prototype d'un tel composant, utilisant les barres de quartz utilisées pour l'expérience Babar et nous l'avons installe dans le Cosmic Ray Telescope au SLAC. Une résolution en temps d'environ 70~ps par photoélectron a été obtenue, en accord avec la simulation.Cette preuve de principe a convaincu la Collaboration SuperB d'adopter un tel composant comme solution de base pour l'identification des particules émises vers l'avant dans SuperB. Le point délicat, encore ouvert, est celui de la résistance de ce détecteur aux bruits de fond de la machine.Dans cette thèse nous présentons aussi les études préliminaires de différents types de bruit de fond et leur effet sur les performances du détecteur DIRC-like TOF. Le processus Bhabha radiatif est de loin la source dominante de bruit de fond. Le taux de photoélectrons de bruit de fond principalement du aux gammas d'énergie d'environ 1.4 MeV est estimée a ~480 kHz/cm^2 ce qui correspond a 2 C/cm^2 de charge d'anode integrée sur 5 ans. Le flux de neutrons traversant l'électronique de front end du détecteur DIRC-like TOF est estimée a ~10^11/cm^2/year. Ces résultats préliminaires sont rassurants. / In this thesis, we present the conception, the performances studies and the first tests in the Cosmic Muon Telescope situated at SLAC of a new detector for the particle identification in the forward region of the SuperB detector.This detector is based on time-of-flight (TOF) technique. To identify the particles with momentum up to 3 GeV/c and flight base around two meters we need a TOF detector able to measure the time with a precision of about 30 ps. To achieve this goal we have conceived a device producing Cherenkov light in a fused silica (quartz) radiator, by a charged particle, which then detected with very fast photodetectors and dedicated ultrafast electronics. We call it, the DIRC-like TOF detector.For what concern the photodetectors, the HAMAMATSU SL-10 MCP-PMT has been characterized at LAL test bunch and the time resolution of about 37 ps has been measured. The new 16-channel USB WaveCatcher electronics developed by LAL (CNRS/IN2P3) and CEA/IRFU has shown to have a jitter of less than 10 ps. The geometry of the quartz detector has been then carefully studied with Geant4 simulation. Which shows that the best detector geometry allow to reach the time resolution of about 90 ps per photoelectron with at least 10 photoelectrons detected, giving in average the desired 30 ps total time resolution.We have constructed a prototype of such device, using the quartz bars available from the Babar experiment, and we have installed it, in the SLAC Cosmic Ray Telescope. A time resolution of about 70 ps per photoelectron was obtained, in agreement with simulation.This proof-of-principle has convinced the SuperB Collaboration to adopt such a device as the baseline for the SuperB particle identification detector in the forward region. The delicate point which is still opened is the resistance of this detector to the machine background.In this thesis we also present preliminary studies of different types of background and their effect on the performances of the DIRC-like TOF detector. Radiative Bhabha process is by far the dominant source of background. The rate of the background photoelectrons caused mainly by the gammas with energy around 1.4 MeV is estimated to be ~480 kHz/cm^2 which corresponds to 2 C/cm^2 of integrated anode charge in 5 years. The neutron flux thought the DIRC-like TOF front end electronics is ~10^11/cm^2/year. These preliminary results are reassuring.

<p>A Monte Carlo simulation of the Neutron Wall detector system has been performed using Geant4, in order to define optimum conditions for the detection and identification of multiple neutrons. Emphasis was put on studying the scattering of neutrons between different detectors, which is the main source of the apparent increase of the number of detected neutrons. The simulation has been compared with experimental data. The quality of neutron gated γ-ray spectra was improved for both two- and three-neutron evaporation channels. The influence of small amounts of γ rays mis-interpreted as neutrons was investigated. It was found that such γ rays dramatically reduce the quality of neutron gated γ-ray spectra.</p><p>The interaction properties of fast neutrons in a closed-end coaxial and a planar high-purity germanium detector (HPGe) were studied. Digitised waveforms of HPGe preamplifier signals were recorded for time-of-flight separated neutrons and γ rays, emitted by a ²⁵²Cf source. The experimental waveforms from the detectors were compared to simulated pulse shapes. In the analysis, special emphasis was given to the detection of elastically scattered neutrons, which may be an important effect to take into account in future spectrometers based on γ-ray tracking. No differences between neutron and γ-ray induced pulse shapes were found in this work.</p><p>A Monte Carlo simulation of the interactions of fast neutrons in the future 4π γ-ray spectrometer AGATA was also performed, in order to study the influence of neutrons on γ-ray tracking. It was shown that although there is a large probability of detecting neutrons in AGATA, the neutrons decrease the photo-peak efficiency of AGATA by only about 1% for each neutron emitted in coincidence with γ rays. The peak-to-background ratios in γ-ray spectra are, however, reduced to a much larger extent. The possibility of using AGATA as a neutron detector system was also investigated.</p>

A Monte Carlo simulation of the Neutron Wall detector system has been performed using Geant4, in order to define optimum conditions for the detection and identification of multiple neutrons. Emphasis was put on studying the scattering of neutrons between different detectors, which is the main source of the apparent increase of the number of detected neutrons. The simulation has been compared with experimental data. The quality of neutron gated γ-ray spectra was improved for both two- and three-neutron evaporation channels. The influence of small amounts of γ rays mis-interpreted as neutrons was investigated. It was found that such γ rays dramatically reduce the quality of neutron gated γ-ray spectra. The interaction properties of fast neutrons in a closed-end coaxial and a planar high-purity germanium detector (HPGe) were studied. Digitised waveforms of HPGe preamplifier signals were recorded for time-of-flight separated neutrons and γ rays, emitted by a 252Cf source. The experimental waveforms from the detectors were compared to simulated pulse shapes. In the analysis, special emphasis was given to the detection of elastically scattered neutrons, which may be an important effect to take into account in future spectrometers based on γ-ray tracking. No differences between neutron and γ-ray induced pulse shapes were found in this work. A Monte Carlo simulation of the interactions of fast neutrons in the future 4π γ-ray spectrometer AGATA was also performed, in order to study the influence of neutrons on γ-ray tracking. It was shown that although there is a large probability of detecting neutrons in AGATA, the neutrons decrease the photo-peak efficiency of AGATA by only about 1% for each neutron emitted in coincidence with γ rays. The peak-to-background ratios in γ-ray spectra are, however, reduced to a much larger extent. The possibility of using AGATA as a neutron detector system was also investigated.

Depuis ces 15 dernières années, les modèles animaux qui miment les pathologies humaines sont devenus incontournables pour comprendre les mécanismes biologiques et les pathologies humaines ainsi que pour évaluer de nouvelles voies thérapeutiques. La volonté<br />d'étudier ces modèles au cours du temps a stimulé le développement d'instruments dédiés aux études in vivo chez le petit animal. Pour aller plus loin dans la compréhension des mécanismes physiopathologiques, le grand défi actuel est de pouvoir coupler simultanément<br />plusieurs de ces méthodes. Dans ce cadre, la combinaison des techniques magnétiques et radioactives reste un challenge des plus intéressants mais aussi des plus délicats à réaliser techniquement. C'est pourquoi nous proposons de coupler les techniques magnétiques à la sonde radiosensible b-MicroProbe développée dans le groupe IPB et qui s'est révélée être une alternative aux mesures TEP. Dans ce contexte, le travail de thèse a consisté à étudier la faisabilité de ce couplage d'un point de vue physique, par simulation et par des caractérisations expérimentales. Puis, la mise en place d'un protocole biologique a été effectuée sur la base d'études pharmacocinétiques. Les expériences menées ont montré la possibilité d'utiliser la sonde pour des mesures radioactives sous champ magnétique intense<br />simultanément à l'acquisition d'images anatomiques. Parallèlement, nous avons cherché à améliorer la quantification du signal radioactif grâce à l'utilisation d'un fantôme voxelisé de cerveau de rat. Enfin, l'émergence des modèles transgéniques nous a conduit à reproduire des études pharmacocinétiques chez la souris et à développer des fantômes voxelisés de souris.

Le travail présenté dans ce manuscrit regroupe deux études de spectroscopie γ. La première concerne les isomères des noyaux de néodyme autour de N=82. Ces noyaux, lorsqu’ils sont étudiés par des modèles de type Cranked-Nilsson-Strutinsky, présentent des états énergétiquement favorisés. Ils sont autant de candidats pour la recherche d’isomères de spin. Expérimentalement, un certain nombre d’états isomériques ont déjà été observés dans les noyaux de 138,139,140Nd sur lesquels porte cette étude. Afin de mieux caractériser ces états, une expérience a été menée en août 2009 à Jyväskylä auprès de l’ensemble de détection JUROGAM-RITU-GREAT. La réaction de fusion-évaporation 48Ca + 76Zr 144Nd* réalisée avec une cible mince a permis de produire majoritairement les noyaux 139,140Nd. Les noyaux produits, transportés au plan focal par le spectromètre RITU, sont implantés et le rayonnement émis par la décroissance des isomères est ensuite recueilli par l’ensemble de détection GREAT. Nous développerons l’analyse complète de cette expérience et nous montrerons les résultats émergents. Nous avons, par exemple, pu montrer l’alimentation du niveau 20+ de 140Nd ainsi que le placement énergétique du niveau isomérique du noyau 139Nd. La deuxième partie de ce travail s’articule autour de la recherche de la symétrie tétraédrique dans le noyau 156Gd. Cela a consisté à la fois en un travail de spectroscopie γ des bandes de parité positive de ce noyau, laquelle a fait émerger un certain nombre de nouvelles transitions. Le deuxième volet de cette étude consistait à simuler dans l’environnement ROOT - GEANT4 le seuil d’observation des signaux faibles avec le détecteur de rayonnements γ de nouvelle génération AGATA / Major part of this work is about the realization and complete analysis of an experiment for study of isomeric states in 138,139,140Nd nuclei. This was performed at Jyväskylä laboratory (Finland) using a fusion-evaporation reaction with 48Ca beam on a thin 96Zr target. Experimental setup consisted in the target position gamma ray detector JUROGAM II which was coupled with the RITU recoil separator and the GREAT focal plane detector array. This particularly well adapted setup permit to manage γ spectroscopy of the interest nuclei around isomeric states. Indeed, we used prompt-delayed matrix to separate rays that come onto isomeric states and these who decay from them. Then, correlations between the two components permit to establish feeding transitions of isomeric states. During this experiment, a new isomeric state was also highlighted in 139Nd with spin 23/2+, which was predicted and interpreted in Cranked-Nilsson-Strutinsky calculation. Finally, very clean time spectra allow to determine precisely life-time of four states in four nuclei. This PhD is also made of a part of analyze on experimental search for fingerprints of tetrahedral symmetry in 156Gd using high fold gamma ray spectroscopy. Thanks to a large number of triple coincidence events, we managed a detailed spectroscopy of this nucleus. Particularly, we found out 13 new transitions in positive parity bands. As a complement of this work, we have done GEANT4 simulations about the detection limit of weak intensity transitions by AGATA multidetector. Indeed, tetrahedral symmetry predicts vanishing of E2 transitions at lower spin states and simulations permit to determine observation limit of these transitions with different version of AGATA

[ES] En el apoyo a la mejora de la calidad de medida en el Laboratorio de Radiactividad Ambiental (LRA) de la Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), los códigos de Monte Carlo representan una potente herramienta para complementar las tareas relacionadas con la medida de la radiactividad ambiental, tales como la calibración en eficiencia de detectores de semiconductor, determinación de factores de corrección por coincidencia y caracterización de dosímetros de termoluminiscencia, entre otras. En la presente Tesis se desarrollan modelos de simulación en Monte Carlo a través de códigos y herramientas como MCNP6 y GEANT4. En primer lugar, se han realizado dos modelos de detector de semiconductor para espectrometría gamma, uno tipo HPGe (High Purity Germanium) y el otro BEGe (Broad Energy Germanium), ambos de alta pureza de germanio. Ambos detectores se emplean en las actividades y procedimientos rutinarios que se realizan en el LRA-UPV. Se detalla el procedimiento de caracterización geométrica de los detectores de semiconductor, así como del volumen activo del cristal de germanio hasta obtener un modelo geométrico optimizado. Por otro lado, se ha obtenido un tercer modelo de simulación, pero en este caso de un dosímetro de termoluminiscencia, en concreto de un TLD-100 LiF:Mg,Ti, modelo que se emplea en el servicio de dosimetría personal de la UPV. En el modelo de simulación se incluye una fuente puntual colimada de Rayos-X y el fantoma recomendado por la ISO 4037-3 (water slab phantom). Se obtiene la función de respuesta del dosímetro relativa a la energía del 137Cs y se estudia su comportamiento para diferentes condiciones de irradiación (calidad del haz de Rayos-X y ángulo de incidencia) así como para diversos materiales termoluminiscentes además del LiF. Los modelos de simulación para espectrometría gamma se han utilizado principalmente para la obtención de curvas de calibración en eficiencia para diferentes geometrías y matrices de medición, así como para el cálculo de factores de corrección por pico suma tanto para las series naturales del 238U y 232Th como para radioisótopos específicos empleados en la calibración experimental de los equipos. Por otro lado, se han aplicado los modelos de simulación en el contexto de respuesta en emergencias nucleares o radiológicas. En concreto, el modelo del detector BEGe se ha utilizado para desarrollar una metodología de optimización del proceso de medición de muestras radiactivas en matrices de agua de alta actividad. Esta metodología consiste en un procedimiento logístico que incluye un cribado o screening de emergencias soportado por simulaciones Monte Carlo, enfocado en elegir la configuración óptima de medición para obtener resultados fiables y precisos minimizando la manipulación de la muestra radiactiva. De este modo se reduce el tiempo de respuesta por parte del laboratorio, así como el riesgo de contaminación y exposición a dosis. / [EN] In support of the improvement of measurement quality at the Laboratorio de Radiactividad Ambiental (LRA) of the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV), the Monte Carlo codes represent a powerful tool to complement the tasks related to the measurement of environmental radioactivity, such as the calibration in efficiency of semiconductor detectors, determination of coincidence summing correction factors and characterization of thermoluminescence dosimeters, among others. In the present thesis, Monte Carlo simulation models are developed using the MCNP6 code and the GEANT4 toolkit. Two semiconductor detector models for gamma spectrometry have been made, one type HPGe (High Purity Germanium) and the other one a BEGe (Broad Energy Germanium), both of high purity germanium. Both detectors are used in the routine activities and procedures carried out by the LRA-UPV. The geometric characterization procedure of the semiconductor detectors is detailed, as well as the active volume of the germanium crystal until an optimized geometric model is obtained. On the other hand, a third simulation model has been developed, but in this case from a thermoluminescence dosimeter, specifically from a TLD-100 LiF:Mg,Ti, a model used in the personal dosimetry service for the monitoring and assessment of the professionally exposed workers belonging to the UPV radioactive facility. The simulation model includes a collimated X-ray point source and the phantom recommended by the ISO 4037-3 (water slab phantom). The response function of the dosimeter relative to the energy of 137Cs is obtained and its behaviour is studied for different irradiation conditions (quality of the X-ray beam and angle of incidence) as well as for several thermoluminescent materials in addition to the LiF. The simulation models for gamma spectrometry have been used mainly to obtain efficiency calibration curves for different geometries and measurement matrices and to calculate true summing correction factors for both the 238U and 232Th natural decay series and for specific radioisotopes used in the experimental calibration of the equipment. On the other hand, simulation models have been applied in the context of nuclear or radiological emergency response. Specifically, the BEGe detector model has been used to develop a methodology for optimisation of the process of measuring radioactive samples in water matrices of high activity. This methodology consists of a logistic procedure that includes a screening for emergencies. This procedure is supported by Monte Carlo simulations, focused on determining the optimal measurement configuration to obtain reliable and accurate results, minimizing the manipulation of the radioactive sample. Therefore, the response time by the laboratory is reduced, as well as the risk of contamination and dose exposure. / [CA] En el suport a la millora de la qualitat de mesura en el Laboratori de Radioactivitat Ambiental de la Universitat Politècnica de València, els codis de Monte Carlo representen una potent eina per a complementar les tasques relacionades amb la mesura de la radioactivitat ambiental, com ara el calibratge en eficiència de detectors de semiconductor, determinació de factors de correcció per coincidència i caracterització de dosímetres de termoluminescència, entre altres. En la present tesi es desenvolupen models de simulació en Monte Carlo a través de codis i eines com MCNP6 i GEANT4. En primer lloc s'han realitzat dos models de detector de semiconductor per a espectrometria gamma, un tipus HPGe (High Purity Germanium) i l'altre BEGe (Broad Energy Germanium), tots dos d'alta puresa de germani. Aquests detectors s'empren en les activitats i procediments rutinaris que es realitzen en el Laboratori de Radioactivitat Ambiental (LRA) de la Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV). Es detalla el procediment de caracterització geomètrica dels detectors de semiconductor, així com del volum actiu del cristall de germani fins a obtindre un model geomètric optimitzat. D'altra banda, s'ha obtingut un tercer model de simulació, però en aquest cas d'un dosímetre de termoluminescència, en concret d'un TLD-100 LiF:Mg,Ti, model que s'empra en el servei de dosimetria personal de la UPV. En el model de simulació s'inclou una font puntual col·limada de Raigs-X i el fantoma recomanat per l'ISO 4037-3 (water slab phantom). S'obté la funció de resposta del dosímetre relativa a l'energia del 137Cs i s'estudia el seu comportament per a diferents condicions d'irradiació (qualitat del feix de Raigs-X i angle d'incidència) així com per a diversos materials termoluminescents a més del LiF. Els models de simulació per a espectrometria gamma s'han utilitzat principalment per a l'obtenció de corbes de calibratge en eficiència per a diferents geometries i matrius de mesurament així com per al càlcul de factors de correcció per pic suma tant per a les sèries naturals del 238U i 232*Th com per a radioisòtops específics utilitzats en el calibratge experimental dels equips. D'altra banda, s'han aplicat els models de simulació en el context de resposta en emergències nuclears o radiològiques. En concret, el model del detector BEGe s'ha utilitzat per a desenvolupar una metodologia d'optimització del procés de mesurament de mostres ambientals radioactives en matrius d'aigua d'alta activitat.. Aquesta metodologia consisteix en un procediment logístic que inclou un screening o cribratge d'emergències, suportat per simulacions Monte Carlo, enfocat a triar la configuració òptima de mesurament per a obtindre resultats fiables i precisos minimitzant la manipulació de la mostra radioactiva. D'aquesta manera es redueix el temps de resposta per part del laboratori, així com el risc de contaminació i exposició a dosi. / Finalmente, a la Universitat Politècnica de València por la financiación a través de la beca de Formación de Personal Investigador (FPI)-Subprograma 2 de la convocatoria de 2015 y a la Cátedra CSN-UPV Vicente Serradell / Ordóñez Ródenas, J. (2020). Desarrollo de Modelos de Simulación por Monte Carlo como Apoyo a la Medida de Radiactividad Ambiental en Operación Rutinaria y de Emergencias [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/152188 / TESIS

A new measurement of the neutron electric dipole moment (nEDM) is being developed at TRIUMF, where a high density source of ultra cold neutrons (UCN) is currently under construction. A fast, high-efficiency UCN detector is needed for the experiment, and a 6-Li doped glass scintillation detector is being explored for this purpose. In this work, simulations and test measurements were carried out to optimize the light guide design for the new UCN detector. Acrylic and air-core light guides, the latter with two different reflecting surfaces, were considered. Three prototype light guides were constructed and tested, and results were compared with simulations. The best solution was found to be an acrylic guide, wrapped with mylar foil. For a guide 12 cm in length as required by the experimental layout, a lower limit of approximately 25 photoelectrons per neutron capture was established for the proposed geometry and photomultiplier configuration. / May 2016

233U is the fissile nucleus produced in 232T h/233U fuel cycle which has been proposed as asafer and cleaner alternative to the 238U/239P u cycle. The accurate knowledge of the neutroncapture cross-section of this isotope is needed with high-precision for design and developmentof this fuel cycle. The only two reliable experimental data for the capture cross-section of233U show discrepancies up to 10%. These differences may be due to systematic uncertaintiesassociated with the detector efficiency, dead-time effects, background subtraction and signalpile-up caused by the α-activity of the sample. A special experimental set-up for simultaneousmeasurement of fission and capture cross sections of radioactive fissile nuclei was designed,assembled and optimized at CENBG in the frame of this work. The measurement will be per-formed at the Gelina neutron time-of-flight facility at IRMM, where neutron cross sectionscan be measured over a wide energy range with high energy resolution. The fission detectorconsists of a multi-plate high-efficiency ionization chamber (IC). The γ-rays produced in cap-ture reactions are detected by an array of six C6 D6 scintillators surrounding the IC. In thesemeasurements the radiative capture γ-rays are hidden in large background of fission γ-rays thatrepresents a challenging issue. The latter has then to be subtracted by detecting fission eventswith a very well known efficiency (VETO method). An accurate determination of this efficiencyis rather difficult. In this work we have thoroughly investigated the prompt-fission-neutronsmethod for the IC efficiency measurement, providing new insights on this method. Thanks tothis study the IC efficiency was determined with a very low uncertainty. Using a 252Cf source,several parameters (gas pressure, high voltage and the distance between the electrodes) havebeen studied to determine the behaviour of the IC in order to find the ideal operation point:a good energy separation between α-particles and fission fragments (FF) and a good timingresolution. A good α-FF separation has been obtained with a highly radioactive 233U target.Also, the pulse-shape discrimination between γ-rays and neutrons in the C6D6 detectors wasobserved at Gelina under realistic experimental conditions. To conclude, the experimentalset-up and the VETO method have been carefully checked and validated, opening the way tofuture measurements of the capture and fission cross sections of 233U.

No description available.