An analytical model for a low-level uranium detector for soil analysis

This thesis addresses the need for a field useable means of measuring the concentration of 238U in soil. An analytical model was developed and refined based on a method conceived by David Holcomb. The method utilizes the high energy β of 234mPa, a daughter in secular equilibrium with 238U. A subtraction of the contribution of any other high energy β emitters present is done using a gamma coincidence system. The main component of the detector system defined was a 30cmx60cmx0.2cm plastic scintillating sheet. It was also shown that with proper calibration, the subtraction process will give accurate measurements of the 238U concentration