Practical Gamma Ray Spectroscopy

About this book

Gamma-ray spectrometry is a key technique in the study of the decay of radioactive materials. Used by scientists from a wide range of disciplines, problems can be encountered by the inexperienced user because there is a deceptive simplicity in gamma-ray measurements which can hide significant pitfalls. To resolve this situation, the authors of Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry have drawn on many years of teaching experience to produce this uniquely practical volume, giving comprehensive coverage of the whole gamma-ray detection and spectrum analysis processes. Discussions of the origin of gamma-rays and the issue of quality assurance in gamma-ray spectrometry are also included. Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry is written with the user in mind and has the following benefits: * Mathematics are kept to a minimum throughout. * No previous knowledge of nuclear matters or instrumentation is assumed. * Detectors and their associated electronic systems are discussed. * Fault-finding guide ensures that any problems can be sorted out with the minimum of fuss. Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry will enable all those involved with radioactivity measurements to get the most from their equipment. It will also be of great value to teachers and students in departments where radioactivity is studied, such as physics, chemistry, environmental biology, archaeometry and radiochemistry.

Contents

Radioactive Decay and the Origin of Gamma- and X-Radiation. Interactions of Gamma-Radiation with Matter. Semiconductor Detectors for Gamma-Ray Spectrometry. Electronics for Gamma-Ray Spectrometry. Statistics of Counting. Spectrometer Calibration. True Coincidence Summing. Computer Analysis of Gamma-Ray Spectra. Scintillation Spectrometry. Choosing, Setting Up and Checking the Specification of a Detector. Resolution: Origins and Control. Troubleshooting. Low Count Rate Systems. High Count Rate Systems. Ensuring Quality in Gamma-Ray Spectrometry. Appendices. Index.

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