Optimal Background Attenuation for Fielded Radiation Detection Systems

Radiation detectors are often placed in positions difficult to shield from the effects of terrestrial background. This is particularly true in the case of Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) systems, as their wide viewing angle and outdoor installations make them susceptible to terrestrial background fro...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Robinson, S.M., Kaye, W.R., Schweppe, J.E., Siciliano, E.R.
Format: Conference Proceeding
Language:English
Subjects:
Attenuation
Crystals
Face detection
Gamma ray detection
Gamma ray detectors
Portals
Radiation detectors
Radiation monitoring
Soil
Steel
Online Access:Request full text
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Description
Summary:Radiation detectors are often placed in positions difficult to shield from the effects of terrestrial background. This is particularly true in the case of Radiation Portal Monitor (RPM) systems, as their wide viewing angle and outdoor installations make them susceptible to terrestrial background from the surrounding area. A low background is desired in most cases, especially when the background noise is of comparable strength to the signal of interest. The problem of shielding a generalized RPM from terrestrial background is considered. Various detector and shielding scenarios are modeled with the Monte-Carlo N Particle (MCNP) computer code. Amounts of nominal-density shielding needed to attenuate the terrestrial background to varying degrees are given, along with optimal shielding geometry to be used in areas where natural shielding is limited, and where radiation detection must occur in the presence of natural background. Common shielding solutions such as steel plating are evaluated based on the signal to noise ratio and the benefits are weighed against the incremental cost.
ISSN:1082-3654
2577-0829
DOI:10.1109/NSSMIC.2006.356156