Japanese Journal of Applied Physics, Vol.47, No.2, 2008, pp.1104-1109
MasatoYAMAWAKI, NorihideTAKEYAMA, and Yousuke KATSUMURA
Abstract:
The commonly used γ-ray measurement method employs a technique of transmitting
scintillation light to a photomultiplier tube (PMT) via an optical fiber. However,
it is said that the light transmission efficiency in this technique reduces
significantly depending on the transmission properties, particularly on the
critical angle of the optical fiber. We performed experiments and Monte Carlo
simulations to examine the extent of the decrease in the light transmission
efficiency of a discrete γ-ray detector, which uses optical fibers for the
connection of the PMT to a scintillator, relative to that of an integrated
γ-ray detector, which connects the PMT directly to a scintillator. We also
examined the effects of the reflection and connection materials on the light
transmission efficiency. The results show that to improve the light transmission
efficiency, it is useful to apply specular or diffuse reflectors appropriately
to the side and bottom surfaces of the scintillator, and also to provide space
(air layer) between the output surface of the scintillator and the input
surface of the optical fiber without using grease.