RE: Portable gamma spectroscopy

[Dave Brown <david.brown@nist.gov>]

> I believe that the key factors will turn out to be: ease of use by
>
> security
>
> staff, portability and cost. The ability to quantify activity, detect
>
> low
>
> levels in a short period of time, or differentiate uncommon nuclides are
>
> not
>
> required and may not be desirable. Certainly any system that requires
>
> a
>
> trained spectroscopist or substantial outlay of time and money to
>
> maintain
>
> in the field will be excluded.

I think this last sentence is where I have serious questions about the proliferation of these devices.  While I agree that the intent of these proposals and use of these spectroscopy based survey instruments is based on real concerns, I do not believe this can be implemented as easily as implied.  These instruments seem relatively easy to use....similar to a point and shoot camera, however, understanding the underlying theory and expertise in nuclide identification is still necessary to properly interpret the data and implement such a screening program.  None of the devices that I have seen/reviewed can be properly utilized with out a good background in gamma spectroscopy.  The alternative will be that the security staff and probably the site radiation safety office will be spending a considerable amount of time chasing ghosts.  ...just my humble opinion, of course.


Regards,

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Dave Brown, CHP
National Institute of Standards and Technology
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 3543
Bldg 235 Rm B104
Gaithersburg, MD  20899-3543

301-975-5810 - office
301-921-9847 - fax
david.brown@nist.gov
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