Technical Training for Radionuclide Station Operators with Mirion (Canberra) Equipment

LOCATION
Canberra Semiconductor N.V.
Olen, Belgium

DATES
17-20 October 2023 
 

LANGUAGE
The working language will be English
 

OBJECTIVES
The objective of the Technical Training Programme is to provide participants with the required knowledge and technical understanding of the HPGE Germanium Gamma Detector System, manufactured by Mirion (Canberra), in order to perform necessary operations and maintenance tasks.

AGENDA

The below courses will cover the listed topics.   

Detector system theory

• Fundamentals of electromagnetic radiation.
• What is a semi-conductor detector, (focus on HPGe) and how does it work.
• CTBTO specific preamplifier, why and what’s different
• Basic functions (gain, offset, pole zero, shaping time)

Genie2k operation

• Software installation (demo only)
• Setup of the hardware and calibrations

Hands-On training

• Safe handling of detector (unpacking, packing, installing)
• Manipulating the electronics (connecting, high voltage, etc.)
• Detector initial setup and calibration;
• Hands on training with the available hardware from individual items up to a full working gamma spectroscopy chain, calibrated in energy, shape and 1 efficiency calibration.
• Detector cooling system operation and routine maintenance;
• Thermal cycling and oscilloscope exercise
• Trouble-shooting detector, MCA and cooling system including preamplifier replacement;
• Improving detector resolution, including earth loops and how to avoid/cure them
   

PARTICIPANT PROFILE
Invited States Signatories should nominate participant(s) who are station operators involved in the operation and maintenance of the following stations:

Applications from other stations using Canberra detector equipment may be considered on a space available basis.

In an effort to ensure that relevant technical training is provided to the appropriate person, please nominate individuals that are directly related to your IMS facility. 

Applicants are encouraged to complete the following e-learning modules available upon direct request to [email protected]:

EN-MON04 – Radionuclide Monitoring
EN-MON06 – IMS Radionuclide Data Acquisition, Storage and Processing  
EN-MON19 – Radionuclide Health and Safety Procedures for Station Operators


APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Nominations together with the registration forms should be submitted only through established official channels (the Permanent Missions to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO or Ministries of Foreign Affairs) to the PTS point of contact above, no later than 30 July 2023.

Applicants are requested to use the following registration form: 

However, pending the official nomination, the participants may email the registration upon its approval by a director of the institution or firm, to allow timely travel and accommodation arrangements by the PTS.


FINANCIAL INFORMATION 

In accordance with the staff regulations and rules and Administrative Directives, the PTS will provide a Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) and financial support to cover travel costs.

• The DSA will be sufficient to cover related expenses during the training programme;
• The PTS travel agent will reserve, issue and send the flight tickets to the participants for the most direct and economic route;
• Funded participants are not allowed to purchase their own tickets unless, under exceptional circumstances, they are authorized to do so and only if this proves to be most cost-effective option for the PTS;
• The PTS will book a hotel and participants will receive their DSA upon arrival in Olen; and
• Health insurance will be provided that covers the duration of the training;

Requirement: Scanned passport copies.


OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

Visas
Participants should apply for visas, if needed, at the corresponding Embassy/Consular office upon receipt of an Acceptance Note Verbale from the PTS, in order to ensure timely processing. 

Participation
The training program is open only for Station Operators from invited countries.

e-Learning
Access to relevant e-learning modules will be provided to participants if needed.