A Comparison of Simple Algorithms for Gamma-ray Spectrometers in Radioactive Source Search Applications

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 2008 · Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 66(3):362-371

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apradiso.2007.09.010· OSTI ID:924048

Jarman, Kenneth D; Runkle, Robert C; Anderson, Kevin K; Pfund, David M

Large variation in time-dependent ambient gamma-ray radiation challenges the search for radiation sources. A common strategy to reduce the effects of background variation is to raise detection thresholds, but at the price of reduced detection sensitivity. We present simple algorithms that both reduce background variation and maintain trip-wire detection sensitivity with gamma-ray spectrometry. The best-performing algorithms focus on the spectral shape over several energy bins using Spectral Comparison Ratios and dynamically predict background with the Kalman Filter.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 924048
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-55075; ARISEF; NN2001000; TRN: US0801971
• Journal Information: Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 66(3):362-371, Vol. 66, Issue 3; ISSN 0969-8043
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ALGORITHMS
DETECTION
RADIATION SOURCES
SENSITIVITY
SHAPE
GAMMA SPECTROMETERS
Nuclear Measurements and Monitoring Techniques
Homeland Security
Radioactive Source Search
Gamma-ray Spectral Analysis
Gamma-ray Spectrometry