Detection of Prompt Gamma Radiation Near the LVR-15 Research Reactor

The paper describes a method of pulse height spectrum measurement in a wide energy range. The LVR‑15 research reactor building was chosen to demonstrate this method. Pulse height spectra were measured on the third floor of the reactor building. Two types of scintillation detectors, NaI (Tl) and a plastic scintillator, were used. The detectors were placed for about 25 m from the reactor core, thus, separated from the primary circuit water in the reactor pool, biological shielding, building wall and other constructional materials. Spectra were measured in a wide energy range from 30 keV to 1000 MeV, in which signals were recorded from natural and man-made radionuclides, prompt gamma radiation and cosmic radiation. Experimental data were collected both while the reactor was in operation and while it was out of operation. This study confirms that differences in these spectra can be detected remotely over relatively large distances from the reactor core by adequately simple detection means.