Abstract

Compton-to-peak analysis is one method for selecting suitable coefficients for converting count rates measured with in situ gamma ray spectrometry to radioactivity concentrations of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs in the environment. The Compton-to-peak method is based on the count rate ratio of the spectral regions containing Compton scattered gamma rays to that with the primary ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs photopeaks. This is known as the Compton-to-peak ratio (RCP). RCP changes as a function of the vertical distribution of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs within the ground. Inferring this distribution enables the selection of appropriate count rate to activity concentration conversion coefficients. In this study, the PHITS Monte Carlo radiation transport code was used to simulate the dependency of RCP on different vertical distributions of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs within the ground. A model was created of a LaBr₃(Ce) detector used in drone helicopter aerial surveys in Fukushima Prefecture. The model was verified by comparing simulated gamma ray spectra to measurements from test sources. Simulations were performed for the infinite half-space geometry to calculate the dependency of RCP on the mass depth distribution (exponential or uniform) of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs within the ground, and on the altitude of the detector above the ground. The calculations suggest that the sensitivity of the Compton-to-peak method is greatest for the initial period following nuclear fallout when ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs are located close to the ground surface, and for aerial surveys conducted at low altitudes. This is because the relative differences calculated between RCP with respect to changes in the mass depth distribution were largest for these two cases. Data on the measurement height above and on the ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs activity ratio is necessary for applying the Compton-to-peak method to determine the distribution and radioactivity concentration of ¹³⁴Cs and ¹³⁷Cs within the ground.

A. Malins, K. Ochi, M. Machida & Y. Sanada
In conference proceedings for SNA + MC 2020
Virtual Conference 18-22 May 2020, Chiba, Japan

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ArXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2011.04158