Studies on the gamma-gamma method. Definition of an apparatus for on-the-spot measurement of uranium ore densities

The work described follows on to the research published in report CEA-R--2720 in march 1965. It includes: - experimental results obtained with a model composed of a constant density material (graphite); - the drawing-up of calibration curves using the similitude principle; - determination of the characteristics of a gamma-gamma probe, together with a discussion. The influence is studied of a certain number of parameters on the shape of the energy spectra of scattered radiation, and of the calibration curves: nature of the radioactive source, diameter of the probe area, source detector distance, geometrical shape of shielding between the source and the detector. An attempt is made to find a mathematical model for the calibration curve, for given conditions. Numerical applications make it possible to establish the optimum technical characteristics for a probe measuring the density with the smallest statistical error. (authors)