Calibration of germanium detectors for applications of radiometric methods in South Africa.
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Date
2001
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
Abstract
AII materials that are radioactive emit characteristic gamma-radiation. Natural radioactivity
can be used in heavy minerals exploration and processing, as well as in understanding
sediment transport. processes in coastal zones [Dem97][Dem98]. Differences in radionuclide
concentrations between minerals, allows the mineral species to be identified and quantified
by the activity concentrations of a011, 23216 and 238U using a technique called radiometric
fingerprinting [Dem97]. A" important tool to determine sediment transport rates along the
coastline is by the MEDUSA technology developed and tested at the Kernfysisch Versneller
Instituut (KVI) [Dem98]. The data from the MEDUSA (Multi-Element Detector system for
IJnderwater Sediment Activity) system needs to be calibrated first in the laboratory before
field measurements can be converted to useful data. The National Accelerator Centre (NAC)
is setting up a radiometric laboratory to do this by means of a high-resolution germanium
detector used under low-background conditions and constant geometry.
Description
Doctor Educationis
Keywords
Calibration of germanium, detectors, applications of radiometric methods, South Africa.