Underground Low Background Laboratory of Khlopin Radium Institute

The main background characteristics of the new laboratory including radon emissions were researched in 1968–1972. The neutron production rate in different materials (e.g. lead, aluminium and tin) and enclosing rocks of the subway under the action of the nucleon and meson components were also investigated in this period. The research showed that the nucleon component in the laboratory is almost completely suppressed, and the meson component is seventy-five times less than at the ground surface at sea level. Some years later gamma radiation research of enclosing rocks, construction materials (e.g. cement and sand) and some shield materials (e.g. different grades of lead, cast iron, steel, tin, copper) was carried out. The background characteristics of beta- and neutron counters were also researched.

Measurements using alpha-, beta- and gamma-spectrometers, liquid scintillation radiometers, gas proportional counters and other equipment have also been made. Very often the measurement have revealed unique characteristics, including extremely low levels of tritium, radiocarbon, isotopes of plutonium and main gamma-emitting nuclides. Specialists from many Russian and foreign scientific organizations have worked side-by-side with the Radium Institute researchers.

Operator

JSC Khlopin Radium Institute in Saint Petersburg, Russia