title: The probability of finding a localized area with elevated contamination by using a mobile detector.
abstract: This paper examines the probability that a localized area with elevated contamination can be found by using a mobile detector. In the case studied, the area of elevated contamination has an elliptical shape and the detector has a circular field of view. The probability of finding the contaminated area is a function of factors related to both the contaminated area and the detector. The paper examines the dependence of the probability on a number of these factors. The results presented are applicable to any characteristic that can be detected with a scanning system that provides complete coverage of an area. They can be used as the basis for designs or evaluations that involve determining whether localized areas of contamination are present in an area of interest.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Assessment Division, Argonne National Laboratory, IL 60439, USA. mike_davis@anl.gov
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005720:Gamma Rays; D009038:Motion; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000032:analysis*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D011868:Radioisotopes; D012990:Soil Pollutants, Radioactive