Determination of the specific alpha activity of thick sources with a large area ZnS(Ag) scintillation detector

摘要

A method for determining the specific alpha activity of thick sources using a large area ZnS(Ag) scintillation detector is presented. In this method a quadratic relationship between the detector response and window thickness is assumed. This method provides a quick estimation of alpha activity in the sample, so it is an indicative method. The aim of this experimental work is to approve theoretical assumption and to develop a standard routine method for absolute alpha measurements of thick contaminated environmental sources. For this purpose reference material U_3O_8 and spiked standards of soil were used. Measurements of contaminated soil samples from south Serbia showed the practical application of this method.