Decay chains and photofission investigation based on nuclear spectroscopy of highly enriched uranium sample

Abstract Nuclear spectroscopy experiments were performed for 100 g metallic uranium rod enriched to 93% 235 U, in order to establish and characterize the most prominent γ -rays in the natural decay series and photofission reaction. Single γ -ray spectra and γ – γ coincidences measurements were conducted before irradiation. The uranium sample was subsequently irradiated with 15 MeV bremsstrahlung photons. Relative intensities of γ -lines and several values of half-lives of the fission fragments decays were determined. The obtained information can be utilized in detection of smuggled nuclear materials and characterization of bulky nuclear waste packages.