The method of γ-spectroscopy, i.e. the investigation of the γ-radiation emitted by an atomic nucleus in a wide variety of reactions, allows far-reaching insights into the structure of atomic nuclei. For such investigations, among other things, the so-called detection efficiency of the corresponding γ-spectrometers must be calibrated. For this purpose, radioactive preparations with already precisely known γ-decay behavior and measured activity are usually used. A standard radioactive source used in γ-spectroscopy consists of Co-56, which decays via electron capture into the daughter nucleus Fe-56. Subsequently, γ-quanta of different energy and intensity are emitted, which are used to calibrate γ-spectrometers.

In this mini-research, the activity of a recently produced Co-56 source will be determined relative to a Co-60 source with already known activity. To do this, the γ-spectra of both sources will be measured with semiconductor detectors made of high-purity germanium and then analyzed.