Spectral deconvolution and operational use of stripping ratios in airborne radiometrics

Allyson, J.D. and Sanderson, D.C.W. (2001) Spectral deconvolution and operational use of stripping ratios in airborne radiometrics. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, 53(3), pp. 351-363. (doi: 10.1016/S0265-931X(00)00141-7)

Abstract

Spectral deconvolution using stripping ratios for a set of pre- defined energy windows is the simplest means of reducing the most important part of gamma -ray spectral information. In this way, the effective interferences between the measured peaks are removed, leading, through a calibration, to clear estimates of radionuclide inventory. While laboratory measurements of stripping ratios are relatively easy to acquire, with detectors placed above small-scale calibration pads of known radionuclide concentrations, the extrapolation to measurements at altitudes where airborne survey detectors are used bring difficulties such as air-path attenuation and greater uncertainties in knowing ground level inventories. Stripping ratios are altitude dependent, and laboratory measurements using various absorbers to simulate the air-path have been used with some success. Full-scale measurements from an aircraft require a suitable location where radionuclide concentrations vary little over the field of view of the detector (which may be hundreds of metres). Monte Carlo simulations offer the potential of full- scale reproduction of gamma -ray transport and detection mechanisms. Investigations have been made to evaluate stripping ratios using experimental and Monte Carlo methods.

• 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: G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
• Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
• ISSN: 0265-931X