The problem of detection limits in gamma spectroscopy

The study of a detection limit system for alpha and beta radioactivity has been developed, among others, by Currie. Currie reached though of the expression of detection limit as a function of the laboratory background on ''white''. The philosophy of the method proposed by Hartwell, which is the most comprehensive, does not get altered by its dealing with gamma radioactivity measurements, but in its practical application a distinction between the laboratory background or ''white'' measured due to the Compton diffusion which is apparent in every gamma radiation spectra must be made. Not only will the practical application vary depending on the member of elements contained in the sample but also in their activity. In this paper the application of such criteria to the gamma spectrometry measurements dealing properly with the concept of background is studied. (author)