Determining detection limits and minimum detectable concentrations for noble gas detectors utilizing beta-gamma coincidence systems

Beta-gamma coincidence counting is one of two acceptable noble gas monitoring measurement modes for Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty (CTBT) verification purposes defined in CTBT/PC/II/WG.B/1. Rigorous derivations of detection limits and minimum detectable activity concentrations for β-γ coincidence data are derived in this paper. Different sampling methodologies are modeled to show how the MDC is affected by different sample collection times, spectral collection times, background radon levels, and other factors. (author)