[ RadSafe ] Low Level Readings using probes

[Matt Sargent]

Low Level Readings using probes

One thing I've read that I am trying to understand, is it sounds like the response output is only linear up to a certain point on certain detectors, after that readings become non-linear, this leads me into wondering about how well various products deal with this, from what I can tell any given meter/software solution had best be tied to a specific probe's characteristic, not only in the high voltage power supply requirement, but also to linearize the respond at various source levels which could potentially confront the detector. Is this something worth worrying about? I've yet to see any plots of how non-linear the response gets.

Up to this point in time, I have been comparing relatively small counts, if that was all I cared about, why spend a great deal more, get a really good detector and hook it up to just about any old meter/power supply and take the readings. Kind of what I've been thinking. However, if I want to have accurate comparable numbers from higher intensity levels, I have better make sure my detector probe model is supported (and it's non-linearity corrected) by whatever measurement meter/software solution we're using.

If that makes sense?

I have an old CDV-700 model meter and I am trying to decide if it is worthwhile to get an alpha, beta, gamma probe for it or upgrade completely to something new?  I am looking at the RDS-31 with the GMP-11 probe.  As I a very familiar with the RDS family I have a bunch of the RDS-30's on the Job Site.

One other question I have pondered is the degrading effect that Radiation has on electronics how does the new digital equipment shield itself from this?  Not that one is high rate areas all the time but how will they last over time?

Can any one point me to some papers or studies that can possibly give me some answers or make some recommendations?

Kindly,

Matt Sargent
Safety Compliance Officer

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