Increasing the detection sensitivity of the Radionuclide Aerosol Sampler/Analyzer using a cosmic veto system

Different configurations of a cosmic veto system have been evaluated for the Radionuclide Aerosol Sampler/Analyzer (RASA). The upgrade has the potential to resolve the issue that U.S. International Monitoring System (IMS) radionuclide stations have difficulty meeting the ¹⁴⁰Ba Minimum Detectable Concentration (MDC) certification requirement when the natural background radioactivity is high. It also aims to improve the detection sensitivity of the RASA system for other fission and activation products indicative of a nuclear explosion. This proof of principal utilizes a prototype RASA system located at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and has demonstrated background reductions by up to 11.3% and improvements in the average MDC by up to 7.7%. Recommendations are made for either a 1 or 3 plate configuration, which improves the ¹⁴⁰Ba MDC by 5.6% and 7.2% for a blank filter. Whilst elevated ²¹²Pb activity remains problematic, the cosmic veto system provides a practical solution for sensitivity improvement with little design modification of the RASA. It also has value in improving sensitivity and preventing false-positives at remote U.S. IMS station locations where sample transfer for laboratory analysis is logistically difficult.