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A detector–preamplifier set for X-ray spectroscopy applications in the energy range of 5–60 keV, for use in research laboratories, industry and in school experiments is presented. The main contribution of this work is the demonstration of an easy-to-implement, low-cost detector–preamplifier set that can be built with an inexpensive PIN diode and a low-noise preamplifier of the charge-sensitive type. A junction field-effect transistors in the front end and extremely low feedback capacitance are used in the preamplifier. The set was built and characterized experimentally. High conversion gain and good linearity over the whole energy range were obtained; the set provides an acceptable equivalent noise charge, on the order of 120 electrons r.m.s. Spectra from different X-ray radioactive sources were obtained by using the PIN detector at room temperature together with the preamplifier that is described. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel application of a PIN diode-preamplifier set for charged particle spectroscopy applications at the energy range of 4–13MeV is presented. The low-cost detector–preamplifier set proposed is easy to implement, and can be built with an inexpensive PIN photodiode and a low-noise preamplifier of the charge-sensitive type with a JFET in the front end. This set could substitute for a system with a silicon surface barrier detector in some applications like Rutherford Backscattering Spectroscopy analysis for use in research at experiments of thin targets. The results of the application of the proposed set are compared with those obtained with a surface barrier detector. The results obtained demonstrate the applicability of the system in different counting and spectroscopic particle physics experiments. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Traditionally the electrical installations are designed for supplying power and to assure the personnel safety. In nuclear analysis laboratories, additional issues about grounding also must be considered for proper operation of high resolution nuclear spectroscopy systems. This paper shows the traditional ways of grounding nuclear spectroscopy systems and through different scenarios, it shows the effects on the more sensitive parameter of these systems: the energy resolution, it also proposes the constant monitoring of a power quality parameter as a way to preserve or to improve the resolution of the systems, avoiding the influence of excessive extrinsic noise. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: PIN photodiodes are used in a novel application for the determination, within the energy range from 90 to 485keV, of the intensity of X-rays generated by an experimental electron accelerator. An easily assembled X-ray monitor has been built with a low-cost PIN photodiode and operational amplifiers. The output voltage signal obtained from this device can be related to the electron beam current and the accelerating voltage of the accelerator in order to estimate the dose rate delivered by bremsstrahlung. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]