A new method for analysis of beta-gamma radioxenon spectra

A new method for calculation of isotope-specific activities and activity concentrations in measurement systems for atmospheric radioxenon is presented. The method results in simple matrix-vector equations, and requires the definition of fewer spectral regions-of-interest than previous algorithms. Th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied radiation and isotopes 2020-02, Vol.156, p.108950-108950, Article 108950
Main Authors: Ringbom, A., Axelsson, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atmospheric radioactivity
Beta-gamma coincidence detection
CTBT
Radioxenon
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Summary:A new method for calculation of isotope-specific activities and activity concentrations in measurement systems for atmospheric radioxenon is presented. The method results in simple matrix-vector equations, and requires the definition of fewer spectral regions-of-interest than previous algorithms. The most important difference compared to the current method is however the calculation of decision limits, which results in false detection rates closer to the selected confidence level of 95% compared to the methods used today. This is achieved by introducing a Bayesian correction of the background estimate. The results have implications for the understanding of the atmospheric radioxenon background, for example for the observed low levels of 133mXe, an important isotope in the area of nuclear explosion detection. •A new method for calculation of activities from beta-gamma coincidence radioxenon spectra is presented.•The method is simpler and more general compared to previous methods.•A Bayesian correction is used to improve the calculation of decision limits.•The results have implications in the area of nuclear explosion detection.
ISSN:0969-8043
1872-9800
DOI:10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.108950