[beta]-ray spectroscopy using a hollow plastic scintillator

Abstract

Specially designed plastic scintillators employing a hollow construction to minimize electron scattering have been used to study accurately [beta]-spectral distributions down to energies of less than 0[middle dot]1 MeV. This inexpensive addition to a scintillation [gamma]-ray spectrometer makes possible resolution of the [beta]-spectra of isotopic mixtures. This unit is of particular importance in multiple tracer studies involving pure [beta]-emitters.