February 15, 2024
Journal Article
Impact of lowering potassium contamination in liquid scintillation cocktails for ultra-sensitive radiation detection
Abstract
Intrinsic 40K radioactive backgrounds from impurities of natK in liquid scintillation cocktails have been demonstrated to limit their use in ultra-sensitive applications. This work explores two methodologies for the reduction of 40K backgrounds in the cocktails, and lays the groundwork for use in ultra-sensitive applications. Alternative low-K components for the production of liquid scintillation cocktails were identified, and a simple purification method for single components and finished cocktails was developed. Both methods were verified via ICP-MS analysis. Liquid scintillation counting of selected purified cocktails demonstrated background reduction, improved stability, and enhanced performance. The best performing purified cocktail was also counted on a custom-built ultra-low background liquid scintillation counter, with results below the detector background.Published: February 15, 2024