Gamma-Ray Spectrometry for Calorimetric Assay of Plutonium Fuels

High resolution gamma-ray measurements of plutonium isotopic and americium-241 concentrations are being used with a calorimetric measurement of heat from radioactive decay for a precise and accurate nondestructive assay of plutonium. The technique and results of measurements are presented. Requirements for Ge(Li) detectors, data acquisition and reduction systems are described.