Optimal measurement counting time and statistics in gamma spectrometry analysis: The time balance

• Main Authors: Joel, Guembou Shouop Cebastien, Penabei, Samafou, Maurice, Ndontchueng Moyo, Gregoire, Chene, Jilbert, Nguelem Mekontso Eric, Didier, Takoukam Serge, David, Strivay
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Gamma rays; Night; Radioisotopes; Scientific imaging; Time measurement; Universe
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/1.4969040

The optimal measurement counting time for gamma-ray spectrometry analysis using HPGe detectors was determined in our laboratory by comparing twelve hours measurement counting time at day and twelve hours measurement counting time at night. The day spectrum does not fully cover the night spectrum for the same sample. It is observed that the perturbation come to the sun-light. After several investigations became clearer: to remove all effects of radiation from outside (earth, the sun, and universe) our system, it is necessary to measure the background for 24, 48 or 72 hours. In the same way, the samples have to be measured for 24, 48 or 72 hours to be safe to be purified the measurement (equality of day and night measurement). It is also possible to not use the background of the winter in summer. Depend on to the energy of radionuclide we seek, it is clear that the most important steps of a gamma spectrometry measurement are the preparation of the sample and the calibration of the detector. At the request of all authors of the paper, and with the agreement of the Proceedings Editor, an updated version of this article was published on 23 June 2017. The original version supplied to AIP Publishing included the name of an author who was not consulted and has asked for his name to be removed. This has been corrected in the updated and re-published version.