SP-501-4 General Theory of Gamma Spectroscopy
Prerequisites: SP-502-5 or equivalent experience.
Purpose: This course provides the student with an in-depth review of the principles and practices of gamma-ray spectroscopy and radionuclide identification. It is intended for health physics and radiochemistry personnel who have some experience in gamma counting and want to further their knowledge of the methods of gamma-ray spectroscopy. It is recommended for personnel who are responsible for operating gamma spectroscopy systems or reviewing of the results from these systems.
Description:
This course is designed primarily for germanium detector spectroscopy, although many of the topics are also
applicable to scintillation detectors. The course emphasizes the use of fundamental principles of physics to
explain features found in spectra, and aid in the interpretation of spectra. Additional topics of special interest
may be covered depending upon student interest.
Course Requirements: Please bring a scientific calculator to class.
Note: This course will meet until 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.
Course Content:
- Review of terminology
- Nuclear properties
- Gamma interactions with matter
- Types of detectors
- Signal chain electronics
- Energy and efficiency calibration
- "Care and Feeding"
- Troubleshooting
- Detector resolution
- Spectral features
- Applications
- Software analysis methods (specific to students)
- Spectral interpretation
- Applicable ANSI standards
- Quality assurance
QUESTIONS? 
In the United States
(800) 243-3955
Outside United States:
(203) 238-2351
