The use of difference spectra with a filtered rolling average background in mobile gamma spectrometry measurements

Cresswell, A.J. and Sanderson, D.C.W. (2009) The use of difference spectra with a filtered rolling average background in mobile gamma spectrometry measurements. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors, and Associated Equipment, 607(3), pp. 685-694. (doi: 10.1016/j.nima.2009.06.001)

Abstract

The use of difference spectra, with a filtering of a rolling average background, as a variation of the more common rainbow plots to aid in the visual identification of radiation anomalies in mobile gamma spectrometry systems is presented. This method requires minimal assumptions about the radiation environment, and is not computationally intensive. Some case studies are presented to illustrate the method. It is shown that difference spectra produced in this manner can improve signal to background, estimate shielding or mass depth using scattered spectral components, and locate point sources. This approach could be a useful addition to the methods available for locating point sources and mapping dispersed activity in real time. Further possible developments of the procedure utilising more intelligent filters and spatial averaging of the background are identified.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: gamma spectrometry, airborne, mobile, processing, mapping, real-time
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sanderson, Professor David and Cresswell, Dr Alan
• Authors: Cresswell, A.J., and Sanderson, D.C.W.
• Subjects: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences; Q Science > QC Physics
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research. Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors, and Associated Equipment
• ISSN: 0168-9002
• ISSN (Online): 1872-9576
• Copyright Holders: Copyright ©2009 Elsevier
• First Published: First published in Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section A: Accelerators, Spectrometers, Detectors and Associated Equipment 607(3):685-694
• Publisher Policy: reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher