An Evaluation of Recent Lung Counting Technology

• Published in: Radiation protection dosimetry 2000-07, Vol.89 (3-4), p.325-332
• Main Authors: Webb, J.L., Gadd, M., Bronsen, F., Tench, O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied radiobiology (equipment, dosimetry...); Biological and medical sciences; Biological effects of radiation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Tissues, organs and organisms biophysics
• ISSN: 0144-8420; 1742-3406
• DOI: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.rpd.a033090

The Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center (CEMRC), New Mexico State University, began the construction and procurement of a lung and whole-body counting system during the winter of 1996. Through a competitive and technical bid process, Canberra Industries was awarded the contract for the fabrication of the instrument. In collaboration with CEMRC scientists, new technology was developed and tested during the manufacturing of the instrument, including (1) the determination of the appropriate detector thickness for the CEMRC application; (2) the production of 20 mm thick, 3800 mm2 lung counting detectors with broad photon energy response (BEGe, 9-2000 keV); (3) electronic modifications to reduce low energy noise from cosmic ray interactions in the detectors; (4) an optimal alignment for Canberra cryostats to improve lung counting efficiency; and (5) the development and evaluation of a 20 mm thick, 5000 mm2 BEGe detector for lung counting. The results of the technology development and the implications of this technology on lung counting sensitivity are discussed.