Speaker
Description
Precise knowledge of beta spectra is of primary importance for numerous applications, including radioactive waste management, decay heat calculations, internal vectorized radiotherapy, and radionuclide metrology, as well as for fundamental studies in nuclear structure and neutrino physics. However, accurate theoretical descriptions of beta spectra remain challenging, particularly for forbidden non-unique transitions. Despite their significance, only a limited number of high-precision measurements have been carried out since the early days of nuclear physics. New experimental constraints are therefore required to benchmark and improve theoretical models describing beta decay spectra.
To address this need, the LNE-LNHB has been developing a dedicated 4π semiconductor-based detection system for high-precision beta spectroscopy. The setup was recently upgraded to extend its capabilities to high-energy beta transitions. In parallel, the analysis framework has been enhanced through the development of new unfolding algorithms aimed at recovering the emitted beta spectrum from experimental distortions and detector response effects. Preliminary results obtained with 147Pm and 90Sr/90Y sources will be presented, with particular emphasis on the determination of beta-decay Q-values.