Validation of energy-weighted algorithm for radiation portal monitor using plastic scintillator. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Hyun Cheol; Shin, Wook-Geun; Park, Hyo Jun; Yoo, Do Hyun; Choi, Chang-Il; Park, Chang-Su; Kim, Hong-Suk; Min, Chul Hee
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 107(2016:Jan.)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 164
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Monte Carlo simulation -- Plastic scintillator -- Energy weighted count -- Radiation portal monitor; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2015.10.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: To prevent illicit tracking of radionuclides, radiation portal monitor (RPM) systems employing plastic scintillators have been used in ports and airports. However, their poor energy resolution makes the discrimination of radioactive material inaccurate. In this study, an energy weight algorithm was validated to determine 133 Ba, 22 Na, 137 Cs, and 60 Co by using a plastic scintillator. The Compton edges of energy spectra were converted to peaks based on the algorithm. The peaks have a maximum error of 6% towards the theoretical Compton edge. Abstract : Highlights: Energy spectra of 133 Ba, 137 Cs, 22 Na, and 60 Co were measured by a plastic scintillator. All energy spectra were converted to energy weighted spectra having clear peaks. Compared with theoretical value, the peaks have a maximum error of 6%. For validation, measurement with distance and shielding was also evaluated.