BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CERN//INDICO//EN BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Pathways of radiotracer development for PEPT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T130000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T131500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1320@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Michael van Heerden (University of Cape Town)\nPEPT Cape Town is a dedicated research centre focused on measuring the underlyi ng \nphysics of opaque multiphase flow systems. The basis of this nuclear \nmeasurement technique hinges on how accurate and representative the \ntr acer particle is of the media of interest in these dynamic applications. \ nThis presentation will report the current state of tracer particle \ntech niques and the areas of active radiochemical tracer development for \nfutu re applications in PEPT.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributi ons/1320/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1320/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Producing a standard thoron source. DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T100000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T103000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1322@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Robbie Lindsay (UWC)\nThoron (Rn-220) is the radon i sotope with a shorter half-life (55 s) than the better known Rn-222. Thor on has been identified as a possible health concern in specific places suc h as monazite processing plants and (rare-earth) mines. The short half-lif e of thoron (55.8 s) makes thoron calibration sources and thoron chambers less common than the corresponding radon ones. We have developed a an ine xpensive and straight forward but accurate standard thoron source that can be set up easily in typical nuclear environmental laboratories. The so urce of thoron is a solution of Th(NO3)4 in water. Thoron is extracted by bubbling air through the solution using an aerator. The gamma rays from the solution are measured at the same time. The thoron activity concentra tion in the exit stream follows from the reduction in the intensity of the gamma rays from the progeny of thoron over time.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs. ac.za/event/82/contributions/1322/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1322/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Positron Emission Particle Tracking: towards Principled Education\ , Physics and Technology DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T103000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T110000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1321@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Thomas Leadbeater (University of Cape Town)\nWe use advanced nuclear measurement techniques to study the fundamental physics o f material flows and the dynamics of physical systems. At the previous ANS TT meeting we presented a research strategy broadly aligned to the scienti fic programme. We now present developments over the past year\, including new high speed data acquisition systems\, machine learning explorations\, and novel radioisotope techniques specific to iThemba LABS. We will provid e an update on our laboratory's role in personnel development and training \, and offer thoughts towards the use of our facility for metrology applic ations.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1321/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1321/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Measure it! Nuclear science and the science of measurement DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T120000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T123000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1324@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Andy Buffler (UCT)\nI will explore the growing relat ionship between measurement in nuclear science and the science of measurem ent. In recent times metrology is relying more on fundamental science and in November 2018 the SI units were redefined with direct traceability to t he fundamental constants of nature. I will illustrate how metrology in pla ying a more central role in nuclear physics\, including at iThemba LABS\, and discuss the research domains of the Metrological and Applied Sciences Research Unit (MeASURe) within the Department of Physics at UCT.\n\nhttps: //indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1324/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1324/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Development of a digital data acquisition system for neutron metro logy DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T151500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T153000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1323@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Chloe Sole (UCT)\nNeutron fields are found in a vari ety of industries such as high energy accelerators\, and in medical radiat ion facilities. These fields vary widely with respect to energy\, type of radiation and fluence. Neutron energy spectra are typically measured using Bonner sphere detector systems. Systems based on scintillator detectors p rovide better energy resolution and a number of other advantages. A disadv antage of using scintillator detectors is their sensitivity to all types o f radiation\, requiring complex analysis of pulses to select for a particu lar type of radiation. The advent of digital pulse processing electronics has made it more possible to move from being heavily reliant on analogue e lectronics coupled to a Bonner sphere detector system\, to scintillator ba sed systems coupled to compact digital electronics as a standard. \n\nMost neutron metrology groups around the world are thus developing systems of digital pulse processing to replace their aging analogue systems\, which a re suitable for use in a wide range of contexts and a wide range of detect or types. We present progress on the development of a new digital data acq uisition system for fast neutron spectroscopy and metrology using advanced scintillator technology\, for use in contexts with or without the availab ility of time of flight.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributi ons/1323/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1323/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Sub-Millimetre Particle Tracking Using PEPT with the PolarisJ Semi conductor Array DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T131500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T133000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1319@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Nicholas Hyslop ()\nThe Positron Emission Particle T racking (PEPT) technique has been in development in Cape Town since 2009\, and allows one to track a 1mm positron-emitting point source travelling a t 1m/s to within 1mm\, 1000 times a second. Typically\, this utilises a la rge\, high efficiency scintillation detector like BGO. However\, recent ex periments have shown that high resolution\, relatively high efficiency sem iconductor (CdZnTe) detectors\, which are usually used in prompt gamma-ray detection during proton radiotherapy\, are able to track particles down t o sub-millimetre precision. We have been using the PolarisJ detectors to d evelop the PEPT technique\, and hope to use them to track particles in mic ro-scale fluid dynamics applications. Initial measurements have been able to locate a $^{22}$Na button source in three-dimensional space with an unc ertainty of 0.11mm and a signal-to-noise ratio of 85%. This is a promising first step towards tracking micrometre-sized particles with sub-millimetr e accuracy.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1319/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1319/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Continuing Influence of Shell Effects in the Nuclear Quasi-Continu um DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T102000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T103500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1340@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Cebo Ngwetsheni (University of the Western Cape)\nTh e nuclear dipole polarizability - a second order effect – governed by dy namics of giant dipole resonances was investigated. Along with the resulti ng effects of recently observed enhancement of photon strength functions at low energies for nuclide in A ≈ 50\, 90 mass region. Empirical drops observed in ground-state nuclear polarizabilities indicate deviations fro m the effect of giant dipole resonances and reveal the presence of shell e ffects in semi-magic nuclei with neutron magic numbers N = 50\, 82 and 126 . Similar drops of polarizability in the quasi-continuum of nuclei with\, or close to\, magic numbers N = 28\, 50 and 82\, reflect the continuing in fluence of shell closures up to the nucleon separation energy. These findi ngs strongly support recent large-scale shell-model calculations in the qu asi-continuum region describing the origin of the low-energy enhancement o f the radiative or photon strength function as induced paramagnetism\, and assert the Brink-Axel hypothesis as more universal than originally expect ed.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1340/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1340/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Characterisation\, Performance Assessment and Improvement of a Sma ll Anode Germanium (SAGe) Well Detector for Environmental Applications. DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T073000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T080000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1354@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Helen Boston (University of Liverpool)\nIn environme ntal gamma-ray spectroscopy\, it is essential that the detectors employed have high efficiency and excellent energy resolution in order to give accu rate assessment\, identification and quantification of radionuclides prese nt in the sample being measured. \n\nAs part of a joint project with the E nvironmental Radioactivity Research Centre at the University of Liverpool a Mirion Techonologies (formerly Canberra) Small Anode Germanium (SAGe) we ll detector was used to measure a number of small volume environmental sam ples.\n\nThe SAGe well detector is a high purity germanium detector which offers excellent resolution and high efficiency as samples are placed with in the well for data collection. \n\nThe high resolution at low energy ga mma-ray energies are achieved by using point-contact electrodes. As these detectors are relatively new there is a requirement to fully understand t heir performance with the intention to improve its measuring capabilities. \n\nData will be presented for this detector.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.z a/event/82/contributions/1354/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1354/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Prompt Gamma Imaging: Verifying Proton Therapy Treatment Dose DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T120000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T123000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1328@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Steve Peterson (University of Cape Town)\nPrompt Gam ma Imaging (PGI) focuses on the detection of secondary (prompt) gammas dur ing a proton therapy treatment. With the use of a Compton camera\, PGI is working to create an in-vivo image of the dose deposited within the patie nt as a dose verification system. I will present the UCT PGI detection sy stem and the current work being performed. I will also discuss the next s teps towards the development of PGI and our role in the larger project to develop a complete clinical system.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82 /contributions/1328/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1328/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Inverse-Oslo studies at iThemba LABS DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T153000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T154500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1329@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Vetle Wegner Ingeberg (Department of Physics\, Unive rsity of Oslo)\nReactions induced by beams of light ions such as protons\, deuterons\, $^{3}$He and ⍺ particles have been the main tool for invest igating nuclear properties for almost a century. In recent years such reac tions have been used to measure the nuclear level density (NLD) and the 𝛾-ray strength function (𝛾SF) [1]. These quantities have been identi fied as one of the key quantities in proper description of reaction rates that play an important role in the nucleosynthesis of heavy elements [2] a nd are vital to understand the enhancements found in the tail of the giant dipole resonance [3].\n\nUnfortunately\, the application of the tradition al light ion experiments is limited\, as it requires targets that are reas onably stable\, both in terms of chemistry and radioactivity. This limitat ion makes it challenging or even impossible to probe the 𝛾SF and NLD wi th traditional light ion beam experiments in certain parts of the nuclear chart such as the noble gases\, neutron rich nuclei\, etc. A possible reso lution of this problem is to use inverse kinematics where the beam and tar get have been interchanged. This was first tested at iThemba LABS in 2015 with a $^{86}$Kr beam and a deuterated-polyethylene target\, with the goal of probing the NLD and 𝛾SF of $^{87}$Kr. This experiment has been foll owed up by additional explorations of the noble gases in 2017 with experim ents with both $^{84}$Kr and $^{132}$Xe beams at iThemba LABS.\n\nBiblogra phy:\n[1] A. Schiller et al.\, NIM A **447**\, 498 (2000).\n[2] M. Arnould et al.\, Phys. Rep. **450**\, 97 (2007).\n[3] A. Voinov et al.\, Phys. Re v. Lett. **93**\, 142504 (2004).\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/co ntributions/1329/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1329/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Coulomb-excitation studies @ iThemba LABS DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T120000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T123000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1330@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Nico Orce (University of the Western Cape)\nA new pi peline for Coulomb-excitation studies has been developed at iThemba LABS w ith the first particle-gamma coincidence measurements carried out during a two-month campaign in April-May 2016 using an XIA-based digital DAQ. We used the reorientation effect to determine the spectroscopic quadrupole mo ment of the first high-lying excitation in Tz=0 self-conjugate nuclei (20 Ne\, 32S\, 36Ar) - typically associated with clustering formation - and 40 Ar. These measurements present higher accuracy than previous work and\, su rprisingly\, for 20Ne\, 36Ar and 40Ar they represent the first measurement s done at safe bombarding energies\, well below the Coulomb barrier\, onto a heavy target. Our new results show a zig-zag pattern of nuclear shapes at the end of the sd shell and will be compared with state-of-the-art mean -field calculations. Five MSc degrees have been awarded from these data se ts.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1330/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1330/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Hybrid potential analysis of alpha cluster structure above doubly- closed shell DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T130000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T133000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1356@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: TAOFIQ IBRAHIM (FEDERAL UNIVERSITY LOKOJA\, LOKOJA N IGERIA)\nPhenomenological interactions have been successful in the descrip tion of the alpha cluster structure of light nuclei. The interactions howe ver lack the required fundamental Nucleon-Nucleon character. This shortcom ing is addressed by exploiting the known surface localization of the clust er that is well described by microscopic interactions. The ground-state ba nd properties of 94Mo and 136Te were investigated using a Saxon-Woods type local interaction with parameters obtained from the microscopic double-fo lding potential. The hybrid interaction is supplemented with a short range interaction to correct the observed underbinding of the ground state resu lting from possibly the core-cluster overlap. The energy spectra\, reduced intra band transition rates\, decay width and the root- mean-square charg e radii were satisfactorily reproduced\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event /82/contributions/1356/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1356/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Monitoring of targets for radionuclide production DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T123000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T130000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1326@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Paul Papka (Stellenbosch University)\nDirect monitor ing of targets for isotope production implies harsh conditions with large neutron and gamma fields. These have implications on the type of instrumen t to use and how to extract information. Micro fission pocket detectors fo r nuclear power generation applications\, for example\, can sustain neutro n fluxes in the order of 1014n/cm2/s or more. This makes them suitable to quantify neutron/gamma fluxes in real time but spectroscopic information i s not accessible. An alternative was implemented at iThemba LABS to monit or leakage of radionuclide within the water cooling system. Water is sampl ed after the bombardment target and circulated in front of a germanium det ector. Even though the conditioning and transport of water imply delays\, the specific transition lines identified in the gamma spectrum allow for f ine diagnostics of the bombardment targets. This can be used to deduce the type of target being bombarded\, monitor its condition and identify anoma lous leakage. Ultimately\, this can also be used to measure the integrated number of projectiles complementary to indirect beam current measurement using non destructive probes.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contr ibutions/1326/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1326/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Overview on the African LaBr Array at iThemba LABS DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T073000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T080000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1332@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Luna Pellegri (University of the Witwatersrand and i Themba LABS)\nThe African LaBr Array (ALBA) consists of 23 large volume La Br3:Ce. The characteristics of these crystals\, such as the good energy re solution and the high efficiency\, make this array very useful for the det ection of high-energy gamma rays. The ALBA project foresees the use of the gamma spectrometer in stand-alone mode and coupled to the K600 spectromet er or to silicon-detector arrays for the particle identification. A Digita l acquisition system based on XIA PIXIE 16 cards (12 bit 500Mz digitizatio n) is currently under test. \n\nThe first six detectors of ALBA arrived in 2018 and they were successfully used in an experiment to investigate the pygmy dipole resonance in deformed nuclei. An overview of the project will be given underling the physics program that is envisaged for the upcoming future.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1332/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1332/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Wavelet signatures of K-splitting of the Isoscalar Giant Quadrupol e Resonance in deformed nuclei from high energy-resolution (p\,p$\\prime$) scattering off $^{146\,148\,150}$Nd DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T095000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T102000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1333@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Chamunorwa Oscar Kureba (Botswana International Univ ersity of Science and Technology)\nThe phenomenon of fine structure of the Isoscalar Giant Quadrupole Resonance (ISGQR) has been studied with high e nergy-resolution proton inelastic scattering at iThemba LABS\, in the chai n of stable even-mass Nd isotopes covering the transition from spherical t o deformed ground states. A wavelet analysis of the background-subtracted spectra in the deformed $^{146\,148\,150}$Nd isotopes reveals characterist ic scales in correspondence with scales obtained from a Skyrme RPA calcula tion using the SVmas10 parameterization. A semblance analysis shows that t hese scales arise from the energy shift between the main fragments of the K = 0\, K = 1 and K = 2 components.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82 /contributions/1333/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1333/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Plans for the new K600 focal plane detector DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T070000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T073000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1334@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Retief Neveling (iThemba LABS)\nA new position sensi tive detector system for the focal plane of the K600 magnetic spectrometer is currently being developed. The existing focal plane detectors (FPDs) w ere designed to detect Z≤2 ions with kinetic energies 30 MeV/u or higher . A new low-pressure gas-filled tracker combined with a stopping scintilla tor detector is required to allow for the efficient detection of heavier p articles (Z>2) over a range of kinetic energies\, as well as light particl es (Z≤2) at lower kinetic energies (<30 MeV/u). The different physics c ases currently envisaged that require the low- pressure gas-filled detecto r will be reviewed\, and an overview of the design of the new FPD will be presented.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1334/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1334/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:.Lifetime measurements in 44Sc excited states using LaBr3 :(Ce) de tectors coupled with the AFRODITE Array DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T154500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T160000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1336@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Lumkile Msebi (UWC\, iThemba LABS)\nThe progressive development of the scintillator detectors has made it possible to do direc t electronic lifetime determination. The 2” x 2” LaBr3:Ce detectors pr ovide a combination of excellent time resolution and good energy resolutio n. With these detectors it is possible to perform direct lifetime measurem ents of excited nuclear states up to a few hundred picoseconds. Six 2” x 2” LaBr3 :Ce detectors were coupled to the AFRODITE array as their fir st in-beam experiment. AFRODITE consisted of eight HPGe clover detectors a s well two 3.5” x 8” LaBr3:(Ce) detectors. A dE-E particle telescope w as used to select the desired reaction channel. All detectors were used co njunction with the 16 channel all-digital waveform acquisition card\, PIXI E16.\nThe reaction of interest 45Sc(p\,d)44Sc was carried out at a beam en ergy of 27MeV. Through this reaction\, excited states that have lifetimes which are apt for the characterization of the 2” x 2” LaBr3 :Ce detect ors were populated. One of the nuclei of interest in this work\, 44 Sc\, h as states with a wide range of lifetimes at low to moderate energies. Vari ous techniques such as the slope method and the centroid shift method have been employed to extract the lifetimes of excited states. All these endea vours will seek to unveil the quadrupole moment of nuclei and their intrin sic behaviour.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1336/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1336/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Neutron-rich nuclei in the vicinity of 208Pb DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1337@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Zsolt Podolyak (University of Surrey)\nInformation g ained on neutron-rich N~126 nuclei is essential for the understanding of n uclear structure in heavy nuclei. Studies around doubly magic systems allo w direct tests of the purity of shell model wave functions. In the case of the beta decay of N~126 nuclei there is strong competition between allowe d and first-forbidden transitions. This is the mass region where first-for bidden transitions can be dominant. The prediction of the FF component of the beta decay also requires good understanding of the wave-functions of i ndividual states. From a longer-term perspective\, experiments in this reg ion pave the way toward the proposed nuclear-astrophysical r-process waiti ng point nuclei along the N = 126 shell closure. \nRecently several experi ments were performed at ISOLDE with the aim to study neutron-rich nuclei a round 208Pb. Both beta decay and Coulomb excitation were used. In addition \, the coupling of the iThemba LABS K600 spectrometer with a Ge array will allow the study of nuclei in this mass region in particle transfer experi ments.\nThe presentation will report on recent results and their relevance on the structure of neutron-rich nuclei around 208Pb\, and it will explor e future opportunities.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributio ns/1337/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1337/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Electric Monopole Transitions (E0) in the study of 70Ge DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T083000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T084500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1338@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Abraham Avaa (iThemba/Wits)\nMonopole transition stu dies has been of theoretical and experimental interest for over 50 years n ow. Since gamma decay is forbidden between two 0+ states\, the study of nu clear structure through the usual technique of gamma measurement cannot be useful in such a case. Hence\, the decay mode of spin zero state is most probable by electron emission. Depending on the probable transition energi es\, this can be achieved through either internal conversion or by interna l pair formation. Therefore\, measurement of electrons is crucial for E0 s tudies. \nIn order to implement E0 studies at iThemba labs\, an electron s pectrometer has been refurbished and characterised using calibration sourc es of internal conversion electrons (ICE): 133Ba and 207Bi. The results of the spectrometer characteristics are described. The spectrometer coupled with an array of fast timing detectors and Low energy photon spectrometer (LEPS) was successfully implemented for in-beam experiment. \nPreliminary result will be presented for the measured conversion coefficient and mono pole strength parameter in 72Ge and 72Se determined from electron-gamma co incident experiments from 70Ge(α\,α') reaction.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs. ac.za/event/82/contributions/1338/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1338/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Source Head Fluence Modulation in Cobalt-60 Teletherapy: A dosimet ric and Monte Carlo study DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T123000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T130000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1341@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Nhlakanipho Mdziniso (Department of Physics\, Univer sity of Eswatini\, Faculty of Science and Engineering)\n**Background and P urpose**: Innovations in external beam radiotherapy have been limited to l inear accelerators\, yet radiotherapy began with cobalt-60 teletherapy. On e such technology is called intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)\, whic h can be executed with cobalt-60 teletherapy units to yield dosimetric cha racteristics that are comparable with linear accelerator beams. The lower energy and weaker penetration may be negligible in the delivery of efficie nt IMRT in cobalt-60 teletherapy especially for head and neck cancers with superficial extent. The aim of this study was to investigate the implemen tation of step and shoot technology in cobalt-60 teletherapy.\n\n**Materia ls and Methods**: A clinical MDS Nordion Equinox 80 unit was used at dose rates of 67.7 ± 7.4 cGy/min and 61.4 ± 3.1 cGy/min. Three intensity maps were prescribed with Oncentra 4.3\, and they were verified with GafChromi c EBT2 film measurements in a PTW universal IMRT verification phantom. Two other measurements were made with GafChromic RTQA2-1010 film whilst a phy sical compensator was constructed and placed in the accessory holder. A 0. 125 cc PTW 31010 Semiflex thimble chamber was used for dose rate constancy checks\, and a calibrated Lufft OPUS 20 was used to monitor temperature a nd pressure. Images of post-irradiation films were acquired prior to net o ptical density readouts and normalised lateral beam profile plots. Two-dim ensional gamma index evaluations of the results were made against Monte Ca rlo simulations of three source diameters.\n\n**Results and Discussion**: Film calibration curves showed that GafChromic RTQA2-10101 film had a low dose response than GafChromic EBT2 film. Normalised lateral beam profiles generated from film measurements and Monte Carlo simulations output data r evealed that step and shoot technology can be executed in cobalt-60 teleth erapy by symmetric and asymmetric segmented secondary collimator jaw motio n or by using a three-dimensional physical compensator. Gamma passing rate s were highest between physical measurements and Monte Carlo simulations o f a 1.5 cm diameter source when using 3 mm\, 3 % and 5 mm\, 5 % criteria. Furthermore\, radiochromic film can be a viable tool for dose verification and quality assurance measurements in resultant beam fluence maps.\n\n**C onclusions and Future Recommendations**: Sharply defined beam intensities can be achieved in cobalt-60 teletherapy by a shift to small source diamet ers\, as revealed by the results of Monte Carlo simulations for the smalle st source diameter. Effort is needed to extend this study to the use of mu ltileaf collimation for more complex beam intensity.\n\nhttps://indico.tla bs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1341/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1341/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Development of a spectrometry system for measurement of internal-p air studies DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T084500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T090000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1343@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Maluba Vernon J. Chisapi (iThemba LABS/Stellenbosch University)\nExcited nuclei eventually de-excites mainly through electroma gnetic transitions\, e.g. gamma-ray transitions or electric monopole (E0) transition in an event that the former is forbidden. E0 transitions procee d via conversion electrons and electron-positron pairs (for transition ene rgies > 1022 keV). Compared to gamma-ray transitions that are predominantl y studied across the chart of nuclides\, a great deal of E0 transitions an d their associated excited 0+ states are still not firmly characterized.\n \nApart from being the only alternative means of unambiguously assigning s pin and parity to states\, E0 transitions also offer a reliable thumbprint for shape coexistence in nuclei\, as the E0 transition strength can be us ed in the calculation of the mixing parameters for shapes suspected to be coexisting. Measurements of E0 transitions also helps elucidate phenomena relating to nuclear compressibility and isotope and isomer shift as well a s provide sensitive tests on various models of nuclear structure [1][2][3] [4].\n\nA new facility\, namely the electron spectrometer\, for measuring E0 transitions was recently commissioned at iThemba Laboratory for Acceler ator Based Sciences (LABS). The current work is aimed at giving the equipm ent new capability by adapting a segmented germanium (LEPS) detector into the spectrometer in order for it to be used to measure e-/e+ pairs of high er (> 3 MeV) energies as well. The LEPS detector is opted for owing to the scarcity (or exorbitant prices if found) of thick segmented Si(Li) detect ors around the globe. The refurbishment is being aided by Geant4 simulatio ns with magnetic field mapped out of the solenoid magnetic lens using OPER A-3D software [5]. The Transmission\, efficiency\, momentum resolution and other parameters of the spectrometer\, obtained using Geant4 simulations\ , will be presented. On-going investigation on the feasibility of using a LEPS detector to measure internal pairs will also be discussed.\n\nOnce th e facility is fully operational\, the physics case will involve measuring E0 transitions in 50Ti\, which will provide information that will subseque ntly be used to investigate the previously suspected existence of admixtur es of 0+ excited states with 2+\, 3+ and 4+ states [6][7][8].\n\nReference s\n[1] Michael Taylor et al. A triplet of differently shaped spin-zero sta tes in the atomic nucleus 186Pb. Nature\, 405:430{433\, 5 2000.\n[2] JL Wo od et al. Coexistence in even-mass nuclei. Physics Reports\, 215(3-4):101{ 201\, 1992.\n[3] Tibor Kibedi and Ray H Spear. Electric monopole transitio ns between 0+ states for nuclei throughout the periodic table. Atomic Data and Nuclear Data Tables\, 89(1):77{100\, 2005.\n[4] JL Wood et al. Electr ic monopole transitions from low energy excitations\nin nuclei. Nuclear Ph ysics A\, 651(4):323{368\, 1999.\n[5] Opera Electromagnetic FEA Simulation Software. Opera-3D software. [Online]. https://operafea.com/\, [Accessed: 28 December 2018].\n[6] DS Oakley et al. Pion elastic and inelastic scatt ering from 48\;50Ti\, 52Cr\,\nand 54\;56Fe at 180 MeV: Determination of ne utron and proton multipole matrix elements. Physical Review C\, 35(4):1392 \, 1987.\n[7] JG Pronko et al. gamma-ray deexcitation of Ti 50 states in t he region of 4-MeV excitation. Physical Review C\, 10(4):1345\, 1974.\n[8] HP Morsch. Monopole transitions in the inelastic 3He-scattering on Ti-iso topes. Physics Letters B\, 47(1):21{23\, 1973.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac. za/event/82/contributions/1343/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1343/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Primary Activity Standards and Nuclear Data for Targeted Alpha The rapy DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1327@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: John Keightley (National Physical Laboratory)\nTarge ted alpha therapy is a rapidly evolving discipline\, referring to an emerg ing class of revolutionary cancer agents delivering alpha-particle-emittin g radiopharmaceuticals selectively to cancerous lesions via attachment to appropriate ligands and carriers. \n\nClinically effective alpha particle –emitting radionuclides for cancer therapy exhibit short half-lives\, (l imiting long-term radiation exposure to patients) and exhibit a high level of radiobiological effectiveness (due to the high-energy and short-range of the alpha radiation) thus limiting damage to non-cancerous surrounding tissue.\n\nThe calculation of the absorbed dose delivered to malignant and surrounding normal tissue is a key parameter in optimising the effectiven ess of these treatment modalities\, requiring accurate assessment of the a ctivity administered to patients (via demonstrable traceability of clinica l Dose Calibrator assay to primary activity standards) as well improvement s in the knowledge of radioactive decay scheme parameters/nuclear data for the radionuclides employed.\n\nThis report reviews the current status of measurement and standardisation needs for Targeted Alpha Therapy\, and det ails recent work performed at the United Kingdom’s National Physical Lab oratory (and worldwide)\, to address these key measurement issues for the Targeted Alpha Therapy radiopharmaceuticals 223Ra\, 227Th and 224Ra each o f which may be considered as the parent of a radioactive decay-chain. The nuances of radioactive decay (and associated progeny ingrowth) for each ra dionuclide on activity measurements (for primary and secondary standardisa tions\, as well as clinical use) are detailed.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac. za/event/82/contributions/1327/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1327/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Design of a national indoor radon survey for South African Homes: review of existing indoor radon concentration data and associated measurem ent techniques DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T095000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T100500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1344@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Abbey Matimba Maheso (University of Stellenbosch)\nR adon 222Rn is a natural radioactive gas directly produced from the decay o f Radium\, 226Ra found in rocks and soil. Since radon is a gas\, it can mo ve freely through the soil allowing it to escape into the atmosphere or fl ow into buildings. Elevated radon-in-air levels are associated with an inc reased risk of developing lung cancer. Over the years comprehensive survey s of indoor radon levels were performed in a number of countries (e.g. Ir eland\, France). In 2018 the Centre for Nuclear Safety and Security (CNSS) in South Africa\, initiated a project call to design a national indoor ra don survey in South Africa. Stellenbosch University was successful in gett ing funding to execute this collaborative project. Here we report on resul ts from our desktop-based survey of existing indoor radon data for South A frica. We present an initial statistical analysis of the data and discuss radon measurement techniques used to date.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/e vent/82/contributions/1344/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1344/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Improvement of Methods for Establishing Baseline Data for Uranium Mines in Tanzania DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T103500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T105000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1349@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Farida Lolila (University of Dar es Salaam)\nIn orde r to monitor future environmental pollution and to enforce uranium mining regulations during and after mining\, several efforts have been made to es tablish pre-mining baseline data at proposed uranium mines in Tanzania1-6. However\, these attempts did not produce the desired baseline data becaus e there was no clearly defined sampling area. The basis of the methods use d for selection and reduction of sampling points used back then could not be justified\, knowing that the boundaries of the study area were not dema rcated to include potential areas that would be appreciably polluted by mi ning activities. In this regard\, clearly defined methods for production o f reliable baseline data are urgently needed for subsequent enforcement of uranium mining regulations in Tanzania. My study therefore\, aims at impr oving the methods used for establishing baseline data in the proposed uran ium mining areas and their vicinity in Tanzania.\n\nOnce these methods are improved and the areas to be sampled are clearly defined\, radiological b aseline data will be established at these areas in two ways. In the first way\, gamma dose rates in air will be measured 1 m above ground using a ra diation survey meter after calibration. In the second way\, activity conce ntration of natural occurring radionuclides in soil will be determined and converted to absorbed dose rates in air. The soil samples will be collect ed and prepared using standard environmental sampling procedures recommend ed by the IAEA7. The samples analyses needed to obtain the activity concen tration will be based on gamma-ray spectroscopy.\n\nThe information develo ped from my study will provide an improved method for establishing effecti ve baseline data for uranium mines which are being established in various countries in Africa. It will also provide the public and the scientific co mmunity with the baseline data that will subsequently be used to evaluate the impact of uranium mining in terms of increased radiological risks duri ng operation and after closure of the proposed mine. \n\nReferences\n1. Lo lila F (2011) Establishment of baseline data of external ionizing radiatio n dose at proposed uranium mining sites and their neighbouring residential areas in Tanzania: The case of Mkuju River. M.Sc. Dissertation\, Departme nt of Physics\, University of Dar es Salaam.\n2. Mwalongo DA (2011) Determ ination of background radioactivity levels and elemental composition at Mk uju uranium deposit in Tanzania. M.Sc. Dissertation\, Department of Physic s\, University of Dar es Salaam.\n3. Mohammed NK and Mazunga MS (2013) Nat ural radioactivity in soil and water from Likuyu village in the neighborho od of Mkuju uranium deposit. International Journal of Analytical Chemistry . 2013:1-4. \n4. Kimaro EE and Mohammed NK (2015) Natural radioactivity le vels in the area around the uranium deposit of the Bahi district in Dodoma region\, Tanzania. International Research Journal of Pure & Applied Chemi stry. 9:1-10.\n5. Elisadiki J and Makundi I (2015) Establishment of backgr ound radiation dose rate in the vicinity of the proposed Manyoni uranium p roject\, Singida. Tanzania Journal of Science. 41:19-26\n6. Kasoga KF\, Mw alongo DA\, Sawe SF\, Nyaruba MM and Dammalapati U (2016) Ambient gamma d ose rate measurements at Manyoni uranium deposits\, Singida\, Tanzania. In : Chithambo M and Venter A (eds.) Proceedings of the 60th Annual Conferenc e of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP2015)\, 28 June - 3 July\ , 2015\, Johannesburg. SAIP\, South Africa\, pp. 180 – 185 [Internet]\, Available from: [Accessed 2nd August 2018]\n7. International Atomic Energ y Agency (1989) Measurement of radionuclides in food and environment. IAEA \, Vienna.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1349/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1349/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Measuring Radon emanation from soil in South Africa to inform a su rvey of radon in houses. DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T102000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T103500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1309@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Lebogang Phefo (University of Zululand)\nThe Nationa l Nuclear Regulator is funding a project to plan a residential radon surve y in South Africa. This is a very large project and we are looking at ways to decide if different areas are likely to be radon prone. Two of the im portant parameters to predict the radon levels in houses is the radium con centration in the soil and the emanation coefficient. This project aims t o measure the latter for soils from different areas in South Africa where the radium (uranium) content is large.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event /82/contributions/1309/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1309/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Environmental Radioactivity Laboratory of iThemba LABS DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T070000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T073000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1311@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Peane Maleka (iThemba LABS)\nThe Environmental Radio activity Laboratory of iThemba LABS\, in the Department of Subatomic Physi cs has been using radiation detectors for measurements of anthropogenic (m an-made) and natural radionuclides present in our environment. The radiati on detectors consist of a laboratory-based HPGe detector\, field-based MED USA detector systems and a flexible radon monitor\, RAD7. To assist in the testing and calibrations of the detectors\, various Monte Carlo (MC) code s are also being used to optimise the experimental data with the calculati ons. To date\, various users have used the facilities to count and analyze their samples. For this contribution\, current activities and future plan s of the facility will be discussed.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/8 2/contributions/1311/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1311/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Measurement of activity concentration of $^{238}$U and $^{232}$Th series radionuclides in beach sand with a multidetector (LaBr$_3$:Ce) gamm a-ray spectrometer DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T081500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1313@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: M. Bashir (Department of Physics Ibrahim Badamasi Ba bangida University Lapai/Department of Physics Stellenbosch University/Dep artment of Subatomic Physics iThemba LABS)\nThe activity concentrations of $^{238}$U and $^{232}$Th series radionuclides in beach sand were measure d using a gamma-ray spectrometer comprising four LaBr$_3$:Ce (2" x 2") de tectors without background shielding. The sample was placed 10 cm equidist ant from the detectors and counted for 48 hours. This spectrometer allowed for measurement in singles and coincidence (gamma-gamma) modes. Time-stam ped data were acquired and time correlation used to remove the background offline.\nIn coincidence mode\, the minimum detectable activity (MDAs) wer e two orders of magnitude lower than in singles mode. The weighted activi ty concentration of $^{238}$U series radionuclides in singles and coincide nce modes are 908 $\\pm$ 70 Bqkg$^{-1}$ and 972 $\\pm$ 99 Bqkg$^{-1}$ resp ectively. The weighted activity concentration of $^{232}$Th series radionu clides in singles and coincidence modes are 1599 $\\pm$ 70 Bqkg$^{-1}$ and 1754 $\\pm$ 185 Bqkg$^{-1}$ respectively. Therefore we conclude that the results are consistent to within measurement uncertainty.\n\nhttps://indic o.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1313/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1313/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Commissioning the DT neutron facility at the University of Cape To wn DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T083000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T090000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1325@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Tanya Hutton (University of Cape Town)\nA new fast n eutron facility has been established within the Metrological Applied Scien ces University Research Unit (MeASURe) located in the Department of Physic s at the University of Cape Town. The facility features a D-T sealed tube neutron generator within a bunker which can produce a well-collimated beam of 14 MeV neutrons suitable for a wide variety of applications\, includin g cross section measurements\, elemental analyses of materials in bulk\, a nd neutron detector characterization and calibrations.\n\nWe introduce the facility\, and how it is situated within the field of neutron metrology. We detail the existing infrastructure\, both physical and computational\, and present experimental characterisations of neutron yields\, energy spec tra and beam profiles. Current and future applications will be discussed.\ n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1325/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1325/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Assessment of radium and radon activity concentrations in water so urces near selected former uranium mines in the West-Rand area of Johannes burg. DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T100500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T102000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1315@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Ayabulela Tsewu (Witwatersrand)\nAbstract:\nRadioact ivity has existed since the beginning of time and is part of our planet Ea rth. Several studies have been well documented to monitor natural radioact ivity as a source of radiation exposure to the environment and to human be ings. In order to determine the effects of natural radioactivity in around areas of former uranium mines in the West-Rand area\, an investigation of radiation exposure through ingestion of contaminated water will be carrie d out. In the present work\, focus will be on Uranium daughter radionuclid es\; Ra-226 and Rn-222. Measurements will include the use of Alpha and Ga mma spectroscopy to identify radionuclides concentrations\, as well as Ind uctively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and Radiochemical Neutr on Activation Analysis (RNAA) to analyze the isotopes of interest.\n\nhttp s://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1315/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1315/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The Ionising Radiation related activities at NMISA DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T073000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T080000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1316@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Zakithi Msimang (NMISA)\nNMISA supports the South Af rican industry with measurement traceability and measurement solutions. Th e ionising radiation division has dosimetry and radioactivity laboratories and recently has introduced capabilities for performing measurement audit s at radiotherapy centres. The presentation will look at different program mes and projects currently running at these laboratories.\n\nhttps://indic o.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1316/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1316/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:A study to investigate the use of natural radionuclides as radiotr acers in sedimentation processes DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T130000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T133000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1317@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Jacques Bezuidenhout ()\nThe natural occurring radio nuclides of thorium\, uranium and potassium is present in varying concentr ations in all rocks and sand. Natural radionuclides can therefore be a goo d tool when studying sediment characteristics. The uranium nuclide usually has the lowest activity concentrations\, and potassium by far the highest concentrations. Natural radionuclide concentrations were consequently acq uired and mapped by means of in situ measurements at various locations. Th ese locations included beaches\, pans and rivers in South Africa\, Mozambi que\, Botswana and Namibia. The distribution of the naturally radionuclide s demonstrated good agreement with the geophysical characteristics of the areas which includes underlying sedimentation processes. These studies als o showed that radionuclide mapping provides valuable information on beach formation and erosion. \n\nBlack sand that contain high levels of heavy mi nerals were also gathered from some of the sites and analysed. Uranium and thorium concentrations in excess of 550 Bq/kg and 950 Bq/kg\, respectivel y\, were measured. Very low concentrations of potassium were however detec ted in the black sand. These exceptionally high levels of radionuclides ga ve rise to the idea that black sand can be used as a natural radiotracer w hen studying sediment transport. This article will explore the possible ut ilization of natural thorium and uranium in black sand as radiotracers.\n\ nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1317/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1317/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Overview of environmental radioactivity studies in South Africa an d neighboring countries DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T092000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T095000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1350@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Makondelele Victor Tshivhase (North-West University) \nHigh concentrations of radionuclides and toxic elements in abandoned gol d mine facilities present a potential health hazard to the people living a round these former mining areas and lead to a degradation of the environme nt. Environmental measurements were performed around the areas designated as gold mines\, coal mines\, coal power stations\, mine dumps and abandone d mines. Soil and water samples were collected and analysed to determine t he activity concentrations of 238U\, 226Ra\, 232Th and 40K. The presentati on will cover an overview of the results obtained using a high purity germ anium (HPGe) well detector and high purity germanium broad energy (BEGE) d etector as well as an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS ). A general overview of the activities obtained and the radiological and toxicological risks associated with the pollution will be discussed.\n\nht tps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1350/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1350/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Excited State Lifetime Nuclear Metrology: Precision Half-life Meas urements in 164Dy and 166Dy and Reaction Channel Selection Techniques usin g the NuBALL Spectrometer DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T123000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190318T130000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1351@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Patrick Regan (University of Surrey &\; The Natio nal Physical Laboratory\, UK)\nResults are presented from the first in-bea m experiment using the NuBALL hybrid HPGe-LaBr3 gamma-ray spectrometer at IPN\, Orsay\, performed in November 2017\, with the physics aim of determi ning the electromagnetic transition rates to the ground state of the N=100 nucleus 166Dy. In this first configuration\, the NuBALL spectrometer comp rised 24 Compton suppressed HPGe Clover detectors\, 10 coaxial HPGe Compto n suppressed spectrometers\, and 20 single-element LaBr3 detectors supplie d by the FATIMA and UK Nuclear Data Network collaborations. These detector s were read out using a fully-digital data acquisition system. Excited sta tes in 166Dy were populated via the 164Dy(18O\,16O)166Dy two-neutron trans fer reaction using a 6.3 mg/cm2 164Dy gold-backed target of 95% purity and a pulsed 18O beam with energies of 71\, 76 and 80 MeV provided by the tan dem Van de Graaff accelerator at IPN Orsay. The ultimate physics goals of this work are to determine excited state lifetimes in the vicinity of the valence maximum nucleus 170Dy104 [1]\, using the HPGe-gated\, LaBr3-LaBr3 fast-timing time-difference technique. The states identified as populated in 166Dy are compared with results from previous spectroscopic studies of this quadrupole deformed nucleus\, using deep-inelastic reactions to popul ate high-spin cascades [2\,3]\, and (t\,p) transfer reactions on 164Dy [4 ] and β-decay from 166Tb [5] which are more selective for lower-spin stat es. A value for the previously unknown half-life of the first excited 2+ s tate in 166Dy is presented. Values for the half-lives of the first excited 2+ and 4+ states in 164Dy are also presented\, obtained from direct gamma -gamma time differences for the first time [6]. Methods of channel selecti on used to enhance the peak-to-total ratio for the 166Dy and to discrimina te these from the 178W populated via the competing fusion-evaporation chan nel [7\,8] will be demonstrated. In particular\, the effects of total ener gy-total gamma multiplicity and prompt-delayed coincidence timing will be discussed.\n\n[1] P-A. Söderström et al.\, Phys. Lett. B762\, 404 (2016) \n[2] P-A Söderström et al.\, Phys. Rev. C81\, 034310 (2010)\n[3] C.Y. Wu et al.\, Phys. Rev. C57\, 346 (1998)\n[4] D.G. Burke et al.\, Nucl. Phy s. A483\, 221 (1988)\n[5] S. Ichikawa et al.\, Nucl. Inst. Meth. Phys. Res . A374\, 330 (1996)\n[6] B. Singh et al. Nuclear Data Sheets 147\, 1 (2018 )\n[7] M. Rudigier et al.\, Nucl. Phys. A847\, 89 (2010)\n[8] C.S. Purry et al.\, Nucl. Phys. A632\, 229 (1998)\n\n\n This work is partially suppo rted by grants from the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC )\; the UK Government Department for Business\, Energy and Industrial Stra tegy (BEIS) via the National Measurement System (NMS)\; and the Marion Red fearn Trust.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1351/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1351/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Fast neutron studies on concrete used in the nuclear industry DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T150000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T151500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1318@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Malibongwe Mdiniso (Department of Physics\, Universi ty of Cape Town)\nConcrete is extensively within just about all nuclear fa cilities for its structural and shielding properties. In a re used actor f acility\, for example\, the concrete will be subjected to high neutron and gamma-ray fluxes for the lifetime of the reactor (60+ years)\, and must r etain is mechanical integrity and shielding properties at an acceptable le vel until decommissioning. Beyond the typical structural properties\, ther e are three key properties that are required of any shielding material use d in reactor conditions: attenuation of neutron flux\; attenuation of gamm a-ray flux\; and well-known activation properties post irradiation. South Africa does not have a standard procedure for quantifying these properties for concrete\, and other materials for the nuclear industry. The aim of t his project is to develop and demonstrate proof-of-principle of a standard ized measurement technique for quantifying radiation shielding properties of nuclear grade concrete. \nWe are establishing the first fast neutron be am reference facility in South Africa for the non-destructive testing of c oncrete (and in principle other materials used in the nuclear industry). W e will initially focus on developing methods to measure overall shielding properties to fast neutrons\, and the consequences of aging\, where effect s of radiation damage on both the structural integrity and shielding capab ility of concrete is of significant interest. The measurements are also b eing used to benchmark results from simulations using radiation transport codes. An additional area of interest is the development of methods for th e independent verification of the alignment to regulatory codes of the con stituent materials used in concrete mixes for nuclear facilities\, both ex isting and planned. We present our methods and examples of illustrative an alyses from typical measurements.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/c ontributions/1318/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1318/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Natural Radioactivity in soils of Ijero\, Nigeria: measurements an d risk assessment DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T081500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T083000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1312@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Tarryn Bailey (student)\nSoil samples were obtained from Ijero\, Nigeria where the chemical and radiotoxicity of soil is under question due to ongoing and unprofessional mining activities. The soil sa mples were crushed\, sieved\, dried and sealed in identical cylindrical co ntainers. The activity concentration of primordial radionuclides 238U\, 23 2Th and 40K was measured using a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector cou pled with the Palmtop MCA. Subsequently\, radiological risk factors were c alculated to assess the risk\, on average\, to an individual living in Ije ro. \nThe measured activity concentration for 238U ranged from 11.87±1.06 to 94.02±6.81 Bq/kg with a mean value of 40.76 Bq/kg. For 232Th the acti vity concentration ranged from 18.29±6.71 to 111.2±1.89 Bq/kg with a mea n value of 43.59 Bq/kg. Finally\, 40K ranged from 66.56±26.2 to 1195±35. 8 Bq/kg with a mean value of 568.1 Bq/kg. Thus the mean values for the act ivity concentration of primordial radionuclides 238U\, 232Th and 40K were higher than the global averages of 30 Bq/kg\, 39 Bq/kg and 400Bq/kg respec tively.\nIn total\, 30 soil samples were evaluated. Of these samples\, onl y 1 had hazard indices outside of the permissible limit of 1 mSv/yr. Exact ly 10 samples were above the permissible limit for the Annual Effective Do se rate\, where indoor and outdoor dose rates must sum to 1 mSv/yr. The An nual Gonadal Equivalent Dose limit of 300 µSv/yr was surpassed by 25 samp les. For the Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk and Percentage Risk\, 7 samples w ere outside of the 5% limit\, with the highest risk at 61%. The average ri sk across all the soil samples was well below the limit. Therefore there a re certain high risk locations where the activity concentration of primord ial radionuclides is significant in Ijero\, Nigeria.\n\nhttps://indico.tla bs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1312/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1312/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:High-Resolution β- - γ Study of the 110Tc – 110Ru – 110Rh – 110Pd Isobaric Decay Chain DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T105000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T110500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1347@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Shaheen Jazrawi (University of Surrey/National Physi cal Laboratory)\nNeutron-rich nuclei close to mass A=100 display a variety of intriguing shape phenomena such as exotic triaxial shapes\, shape chan ges and shape coexistence. Recent investigations exploiting Coulomb excita tion have helped to shed light on these phenomena [1]. However\, as more i ntense radioactive beams of these refractory isotopes become available it has become evident that some of the key nuclear structure information requ ired to fully analyse this data is lacking.\n\nConsequently\, in conjuncti on with new Coulomb-excitation investigations\, dedicated decay studies we re performed in this mass region. For these studies a cocktail beam of rad ioactive A=110 ions from ANL’s CARIBU source were implanted onto a gold foil and gamma decays were registered with the Gamma-Ray Energy Tracking I n-Beam Nuclear Array (GRETINA) [2]. The analysis of this data will yield n ew information\, refining the level scheme and determining angular correla tion and mixing ratios in these exotic isotopes for the first time. This n ew information is vital for the extraction of nuclear matrix elements and deformation parameters in the Coulomb-excitation analysis. In this talk pr eliminary results will be presented on the discrete-line gamma-ray coincid ence analysis associated with the β-decay feeding of states in 110Ru from 110Tc and subsequent decays along the isobaric chain and these compared w ith the existing literature on this sequence [3\,4].\n[1] D. Doherty et al .\, Phys. Lett. B\, 776\, 334 (2017).\n[2] S. Paschalis et al.\, Nucl. Ins trum. Methods A\, 709\, 44 (2013)\n[3] J.C. Wang et al.\, Phys. Rev. . C61 \, 044308 (2000).\n[4] J. Aysto et al.\, Nuclear Physics \, A515\, 365-380 (1990).\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1347/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1347/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Investigation of the beginnings of star formation and the synthesi s of chemical elements in the early Universe DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T103500Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T105000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1346@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Blaine Lomberg (University of the Western Cape)\nMet al-poor stars provide a unique testing ground to investigate the beginning s of star formation and the synthesis of chemical elements in the early Un iverse. In particular\, the abundance patterns seen in these metal-poor st ars provide constraints on the nature of first generation of super-massive stars in the universe. These stars are also characterized by unusual abu ndance patterns of carbon\, nitrogen and oxygen\, which could probably ass ign them as a Population II stars that formed from material chemically enr iched by a first-generation supernova. A parametrical search for best fits suggest a scenario involving low-energy supernova explosions with a relat ively narrow range of masses (10 − 25 solar masses) and little mixing. A lthough this supernova scenario might elucidate the formation of the light elements up to aluminium\, the experimental upper limits currently observ ed for the abundances of heavier elements such as Cr\, Mn\, Co\, Ni and Zn do not allow stronger constraints of the original supernova properties. \ n\nMore puzzling\, however\, is the large abundance of Sr (Z=38) with [Sr/ Fe] +1. Strontium is the only element heavier than the iron group currentl y observed in HE1327-2326. Supposedly\, there are two nuclear-reaction sce narios that could produce Sr:\n\n• The slow-neutron capture\, the s-proc ess\, occurring in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars\; how-ever\, this p rocess is inefficient in low metallicity.\n• The main rapid-neutron capt ure\, the r-process\, could also produce strontium in a type-II super-nova \; although the production of Sr is not included in some of the supernova models.\n\nA measurement of the Ba abundance is fundamental to distinguish between the s-process\, with an expected relative abundance of [Sr/Ba] −1\, and the r-process\, with a different ratio of [Sr/Ba] = −0.5 to −0.4. Here we present the first astronomical data for EC20291-3603\, a m etal-poor star observed with the SALT telescope.\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.a c.za/event/82/contributions/1346/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1346/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Uncertainties in Measuring the Lifetime of a Nuclear Excited State via γ–γ Coincidences using NaI(Tl) Scintillators DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T092000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190320T095000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1331@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Innocent Lugendo (University of Dar es Salaam)\nMetr ological difficulties in measurement of lifetimes of nuclear excited state s have posed controversies in the quest to answer the fundamental question of whether lifetimes of nuclear states are in variable or not. Although s everal studies have suggested the possibility of slight variations of life times depending on conditions of the nucleus [1\, 2\, 3]\, it is important to note that any claims of non-constancy of lifetimes as a consequence of deviation from the exponential decay curve can only be considered upon ve rification and accountability of stability and uncertainty of the devices used during the experiment [4]. Consequently\, studying the uncertainties in lifetime measurement is a crucial step towards studying the possibility of variation of the lifetimes of nuclear-excited states when the nucleus is subjected to resonance conditions via multiple emission and reabsorptio n of gamma rays. We have\, therefore\, designed a system to precisely meas ure the lifetime of the state via gamma-gamma coincidences using multiple fast scintillators. Measurement uncertainties were thoroughly studied usin g a pair of NaI(Tl) detectors on a simple bench-top setup. All possible so urces of lifetime measurement uncertainties with their magnitudes are pres ented in the uncertainty budget. A measurement uncertainty of 0.661% was o bserved indicating the suitability of the system for observing the variati ons of the lifetime that range from 1% of the known value.\n\nhttps://indi co.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1331/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1331/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:The role of Radionuclide Metrology in Nuclear Physics DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T140000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T150000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1353@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: John Keightley (National Physical Laboratory)\nNatio nal Metrology Institutes (NMIs) involved in Radionuclide Metrology play an important role in enabling societal benefits from nuclear physics researc h (1). NMIs are responsible for the development and maintenance of primary measurement standards\, distributed to end users to calibrate their own i nstruments in an uninterrupted ‘traceability chain’ of calibrations. N MIs compare their primary standards (with associated uncertainty budgets) with other NMIs through international comparison exercises co-ordinated by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM). The ‘Mutual Recog nition Arrangement’ (CIPM MRA) is an arrangement among NMIs to allow for the mutual recognition of national measurement standards (and for measure ment and calibration certificates issued by NMIs)\, thus meeting the incre asing need to provide reliable and quantitative information on the compara bility of national measurement services to a variety of users (governments \, academic institutions\, manufacturers\, industry\, etc). \n\nA primary standard of radioactivity allows the decay rate from a source to be determ ined using a technique which does not itself need calibration\, and underp ins developments in characterising nuclear decay scheme parameters (such a s photon emission intensities utilised in gamma-ray spectrometry). Since t he activity of each radionuclide species depends on unique decay propertie s\, different experimental techniques are required for the primary standar disations of individual radioisotopes. The particular technique depends on the radioactive decay mode(s)\, half-life\, decay scheme of the daughter nucleus and branching ratios for competing decay modes. The main methodolo gies used for primary radionuclide standardization are discussed in this p resentation.\n\n(1) Patrick H. Regan\, Steven M. Judge\, John D. Keightley & Andy K. Pearce (2018). “Radionuclide Metrology and Standards in Nucle ar Physics”\, Nuclear Physics News\, 28:3\, 25-29\n\nhttps://indico.tlab s.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1353/ LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1353/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Development of new in-house detector facility at the University of the Western Cape DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T160000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20190319T161500Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260615T104316Z UID:indico-contribution-82-1355@indico.tlabs.ac.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Kushal Kapoor ()\nThe Physics academic community in South Africa is historically small with an increasing number of postgradua te students taking Masters and PhD. The University of the Western Cape (UW C) consist diverse student bodies\, mainly supporting students from histor ically disadvantaged backgrounds in South Africa [1]. The nuclear physics group at UWC has research interests in nuclear physics which carries out r esearch centered on the iThemba LABS facility in the Western Cape. The lab oratory is well-resourced but the experimental apparatus at the laboratory is largely bought in commercially and comprises expensive items such as h igh-purity germanium detectors. The upcoming in-house detector facility ai ms at developing a strand of nuclear applications work at UWC and UniZulu in partnership with University of York (UoY)\, UK. UoK group lead by Prof. David Jenkins has its history in designing and building detectors with su pporting instrumentation for the industry as well as leading research inst itutes. Transferring the knowledge from UoY on detector development will h elp to up-skill the young people. A team at UWC is working on developing a laboratory-based facility to facilitate detector development in their hom e institutions. The specific detector development activities have been dev ised in close consultation and are based on the existing strengths at UoY as well as interests of the SA team and the industrial connections in SA.\ n\nSo far so\, detectors such as NaI(Tl)\, have been tested using the conv entional analog signal processing methodology. However in order to process the signals using the digital signal processing is underway to get the go od timing information. Standardization of the digital parameter will help to get insight into the analog and digital pulse shape analysis. XIA’s P IXIE-16 module has been employed for digital signal processing. Data acqui sition (DAQ) has been developed to record the signal information. These de tectors with the supporting electronics will be employed for the Coulomb e xcitation experiments at national and international laboratories. We also intend to develop an array of CsI(Tl) as well as gas detectors for such st udies.\n\nIn future we plan to fabricate PET scanners using the plastic sc intillator material interfaced to the fiber optical cables. To obtain the best timing resolution for tumor detection the DAQ modification is in proc ess where we intend to detect the coincidence gamma-rays.\n\n[1] http://nu clear.uwc.ac.za/\n\nhttps://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1355 / LOCATION:J Block Auditorium URL:https://indico.tlabs.ac.za/event/82/contributions/1355/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR