Stopping criteria for neutron spectrum unfolding algorithms

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes 2024-10, Vol.212, p.111456, Article 111456
• Main Authors: Machado, Igor Andrade, García-Baonza, Roberto, Vega-Carrillo, Hector Rene, de Sousa Lacerda, Marco Aurélio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Graphical user interface; Neutron spectrometry; Python; Spectrum unfolding codes
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111456

Neutron spectrum unfolding is a crucial process in radiation protection and dosimetry. Unfolding codes using iterative algorithms require a criterion to stop the iterations. One approach often relies on the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) criterion to assess the convergence of iterative algorithms. The aim of this work is to present a new criteria: Average Ratio Scaled (AVGS) and Relative Change in AVGS (dAVGS) to address specific challenges associated with RMSE. Extensive validation tests were conducted, covering a range of scenarios with results showing high level of agreement between the unfolded spectra and the reference. •Novel stopping criteria, average ratio scaled (AVGS) and relative change in AVGS (dAVGS), for the SpecUnPy unfolding code.•Three unfolding algorithms from the SpecUnPy package can use the novel stopping criteria: SPUNIT, MLEM, and GRAVEL.•Validation cases have been chosen to validate the new SpecUnPy code version for conventional neutronic facilities (workplaces and calibration rooms).•SpecUnPy package comparison with the REBUNKI and UMG-MAXED codes; validation by comparison.