Wide energy range gamma-ray calibration source

Calibration source with monoenergetic gamma-ray lines in wide energy range designed for gamma-ray detector energetic calibration and testing has been built. Gamma-rays are obtained from thermal neutron capture, which is a suitable and cost efficient way how to provide discrete gamma-ray lines with energies above 3MeV with reasonable intensity. With appropriate and interchangeable targets the source can generate different gamma-ray spectra with energy up to 10MeV. We present the data obtained with neutron capture on chlorine, but other elements with high thermal neutron capture cross-section such as chrome, iron, nickel and titanium can be used as well. As neutron source we employ radionuclide sources ((252)Cf or (241)Am-Be) with emission rate about 10(6) neutrons/s. The emitted fast neutrons are moderated by a moderator made of light materials such as graphite, standard water or heavy water. Performance of the source is demonstrated by calibration spectra measured by HPGe and scintillation detectors (LaBr(3), NaI(Tl)).