ALMERA Webinar series: Foundations of gamma-ray spectrometry 

  
Gamma-ray spectrometry measurement systems used in the laboratory (left) and in the field (right) for determination of gamma-ray emitting radionuclide activities in different types of samples.

Example of a typical gamma spectrum output from the measurements.

The ALMERA Coordination Team would hereby like to extend invitations to an upcoming Webinar series entitled "Foundations of gamma-ray spectrometry" which will take place virtually during the spring of 2021. The Webinar series will consist of 3 separate sessions which will focus on the basics of gamma-ray spectrometry as applied in a typical environmental radioactivity monitoring laboratory. The sessions aim to provide a general foundation of gamma-ray spectrometry to persons who are new to this field, or as repetition of some basic theory for more experienced practitioners.

Each session will last an estimated 1.5-2 hours, including time for questions. Some pen-and-paper "homework exercises" emphasizing relevant topics will be prepared for each session. Participants can then work on the exercises individually after the session is over.

The lecturer for the Webinar series is Mr Alexander Mauring, Gamma Spectrometry Specialist at IAEAs Terrestrial Laboratory in Seibersdorf and Scientific Coordinator of the ALMERA Network.

Details on webinar sessions

Session 1: Gamma-ray spectrometry basics

Date and time: 10 March 2021 09:00-11:00 CET (08:00-10:00 GMT)

• What is gamma-ray spectrometry?
• Features of the gamma spectrum
• Different detector types and their properties
• The measurement system
• Energy calibration
• General overview of a typical measurement process

Session 2: Gamma spectrum analysis and activity calculations

Date and time: 7 April 2021 09:00-11:00 CET (07:00-09:00 GMT)

• Spectrum analysis steps
• Main features of typical gamma spectrum analysis software
• Activity and uncertainty calculations in gamma-ray spectrometry
• Some important correction factors (decay, self-attenuation, true coincidence summing, …)

Session 3: Efficiency calibration of HPGe detectors

Date and time: 5 May 2021 09:00-11:00 CET (07:00-9:00 GMT)

• Definition of the different types of "efficiency"
• Theoretical basis of the full energy peak efficiency
• Single nuclide vs. multi nuclide calibration
• The efficiency calibration process in practice
• Which factors influence the efficiency?

Presentations and recordings

All sessions were recorded and made available online for those who were not able to join live. The files from past sessions can be found here