Self-Attenuation Factors In Gamma-Ray Spectrometry Of Samples Containing Radionuclides Of Natural Origin

High resolution gamma-ray spectrometry is currently the most widely used analytical technique for qualitative and quantitative determination of radionuclides. Quantification of elements relies on the correct analysis of the spectra, depending strongly on the efficiency calibration of the measurement apparatus, most often performed with aqueous standard multi-radionuclide solutions. For efficiency calibration curves obtained by this method and for samples containing radionuclides of natural origin such as sand, soil, rocks and wall paint with apparent typical densities higher than that of water, self-attenuation correction factors were experimentally determined for hundreds of different samples using the Cutshall transmission technique. The results show that, to obtain more reliable analyses, correction factors for the self-attenuation behaviour, especially in the lower part of the energy spectrum, should be used. Since attenuation depends not only on the density of the sample but also on its chemical composition, correction factors have to be determined for each sample. (author)