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

LOCATION
Canberra Semiconductor, N.V.
Olen, Belgium
 

DATES
7-10 October  2025
 

LANGUAGE
The working language will be English
 

OBJECTIVES
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 training shall cover the following 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 is 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 grounding loops and how to avoid/cure them

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

The training program is open only for Station Operators from host countries or/and operating countries.

 Applications from other stations using Canberra detector equipment may be considered based on available spaces.
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 the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS), at [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 officials channels (Permanent Missions to the Preparatory Commission for the CTBTO or Ministries of Foreign Affairs) to the PTS point of contact, no later than 6 July 2025

Applicants are requested to submit the following registration form: 

However, pending the official nomination, participants may email the registration, upon its approval by the Director of the Institution, to allow timely travel and accommodation arrangements by the PTS.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
Following the Staff Regulations and Rules and Administrative Directives, the PTS will provide selected funded participants the following:

• A round-trip ticket to Olen on 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 in advance, and only if this proves to be the most cost-effective option for the PTS;
• The PTS will book a hotel and cover the costs for the accommodation. Training participants will receive relevant portion of the Daily Subsistence Allowance (per-diem) via bank transfer upon arrival to the first day of the training; and
• Health and accident insurance will be provided for the duration of the training, including travel days.

Requirement: Scanned passport copies.

OTHER PERTINENT INFORMATION

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

Nominations arriving late may risk that the time required to obtain visas for the host country can no longer be met. In this context, the PTS wishes to advise that the host country requests a 5-week deadline for the official submission of Schengen visa requests.