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Development of a computer code for the calculation of self-absorption correction factors in γ-spectrometry applications

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Published: Oct 17, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/hnps.3607
Keywords:
γ-spectrometry self absorption efficiency correction NORM
Ioannis Alafogiannis
Nuclear Engineering Department NTUA
Francesca Tugnoli
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna
Iason Mitsios
Nuclear Engineering Department NTUA
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1294-0764
Marios Anagnostakis
Nuclear Engineering Department NTUA
Abstract
In γ-spectroscopy applications, one of the main effects that needs to be considered is the self absorption of the photons – especially of low energy – within the photon source, which may be significantly different between the calibration standard and the sample analyzed. This effect is highly dependent on material composition and density and sample thickness. A common way of dealing with the self-absorption issue is by using Efficiency Correction Factors (ECF), to take into consideration the different absorbing properties between the calibration standard and the sample. This work presents the on-going development of a MATLAB code for ECF calculation. The code calculates ECF for a variety of material matrices and compositions, focusing on Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), which may have high density and contain high Z elements. The results of the code were compared with other methods of ECF calculation, such as Monte-Carlo simulation.
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