Monte Carlo simulation of environmental airborne gamma-spectrometry

Allyson, J.D. and Sanderson, D.C.W. (1998) Monte Carlo simulation of environmental airborne gamma-spectrometry. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 38(3), pp. 259-282. (doi: 10.1016/S0265-931X(97)00040-4)

Abstract

Monte Carlo codes are described which have been written from first principles in order to account for and investigate a wide range of problems encountered in making environmental γ-ray measurements. The simulations are complete in concept and combine both γ-ray transportation processes and detector characteristics within a single simulation package. Results are presented for 7.62 × 7.62 cm NaI(Tl) detectors for which cross comparisons with experimental results are most easily made, and with large 16 l NaI(Tl) arrays predominantly used for airborne surveys. Radiation transport, gamma-ray interaction, detector angular response and detection are dealt with at extended (100 m) altitudes for ¹³⁷Cs, ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³¹I. A complete solution is proposed that could, in principle, form the basis of calibrating airborne detectors by theoretical means, especially where field calibration factors are difficult to obtain in the case of recent nuclear fallout and a large number of radionuclides. Estimates of calibration factors for ¹³⁷Cs, ⁴⁰K, ²¹⁴Bi and ²⁰⁸Tl are presented.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Sanderson, Professor David
• Authors: Allyson, J.D., and Sanderson, D.C.W.
• Subjects: Q Science > QC Physics
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
• ISSN: 0265-931X
• ISSN (Online): 1879-1700
• Published Online: 06 July 1999