Extrapolated HPGe efficiency estimates based on a single calibration measurement
Gamma spectroscopists often must analyze samples with geometries for which their detectors are not calibrated. The effort to experimentally recalibrate a detector for a new geometry can be quite time consuming, causing delay in reporting useful results. Such concerns have motivated development of a method for extrapolating HPGe efficiency estimates from an existing single measured efficiency. Overall, the method provides useful preliminary results for analyses that do not require exceptional accuracy, while reliably bracketing the credible range. The estimated efficiency {element_of} for a uniform sample in a geometry with volume V is extrapolated from the measured {element_of}{sub 0} of the base sample of volume V{sub 0}. Assuming all samples are centered atop the detector for maximum efficiency, {element_of} decreases monotonically as V increases about V{sub 0}, and vice versa. Extrapolation of high and low efficiency estimates {element_of}{sub h} and {element_of}{sub L} provides an average estimate of {element_of} = 1/2 [{element_of}{sub h} + {element_of}{sub L}] {plus_minus} 1/2 [{element_of}{sub h} {minus} {element_of}{sub L}] (general) where an uncertainty D{element_of} = 1/2 ({element_of}{sub h} {minus} {element_of}{sub L}] brackets limits for a maximum possible error. The {element_of}{sub h} and {element_of}{sub L} both diverge from {element_of}{sub 0} as V deviates from V{sub 0}, causing D{element_of} to increase accordingly. The above concepts guided development of both conservative and refined estimates for {element_of}.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- OSTI ID:
- 10165330
- Report Number(s):
- WSRC-MS-94-0315; CONF-941102-7; ON: DE94014872
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Winter meeting of the American Nuclear Society (ANS),Washington, DC (United States),13-18 Nov 1994; Other Information: PBD: [1994]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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