Compact positron beam for measurement of transmission moderator efficiencies and positron yields of encapsulated sources

We have constructed a simple positron beam for measuring both the efficiencies of positron moderator foils and the positron yields of encapsulated positron beam sources. The slow-positron emission rate from the moderator is determined from the positron annihilation radiation. This technique is also applied to measure source yields. In addition to the coincidence technique, the source yield is determined by measuring electric currents generated by the annihilating positrons. The performance of the system is demonstrated with different tungsten moderator foils before and after heat treatments, and several 22Na sources with primary activities in the range 1–50 mCi