Some Experiments with a Gamma Ray Scintillation Spectrometer

Abstract

Previous work in the field of gamma ray scintillation spectrometry is summarised, and the factors that effect the resolution of a scintillation spectrometer are discussed. A description is given of the design, construction, and an investigation of the linearity and energy resolution of a spectrometer with a single crystal of sodium iodide as a scintillator. This spectrometer was used to investigate the Na²² gamma ray pulse height spectrum, and to test the feasibility of estimating the K⁴⁰ content of a mineral sample by measuring the intensity of the 1.46 Mev gamma radiation emitted from the sample.