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U.S. Department of Energy
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Development of an airborne gamma radiation system for snow surveys

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5936918

An airborne gamma-snow survey system requires detailed design to obtain maximum precision and accuracy. The use of NaI(Tl) gamma detectors with a full gamma energy spectrum pulse height analyzer together with a small computer provides a self-contained and flexible system. The dual detector method determines atmospheric radon perturbations in the detection system. Detailed calibration experiments must be performed to determine twenty parameters that describe the physical nature of the system. Multiple high altitude and lake flights are used to obtain background components. Simulation pads, loaded with varying concentrations of /sup 40/K, /sup 232/Th, and /sup 238/U yield photopeak stripping coefficients and basic system sensitivity. Multiple altitude flights over land lines provide air attenuation coefficients which may be converted to water attenuation coefficients.

Research Organization:
EG and G, Inc., Las Vegas, NV (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EY-76-C-08-1183
OSTI ID:
5936918
Report Number(s):
EGG-1183-1679; CONF-790495-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English