title: Optimisation of systems to locate discrete gamma-ray sources within a large search area.
abstract: Most systems used to locate discrete gamma-ray sources involve systematically passing a detector over the search area while seeking a significant increase in the observed count-rate. This paper discusses the ways in which such systems may be designed to maximise the probability of locating a source. It is shown that optimised systems use a collimated, energy-discriminating detector and overlapping counting intervals determined by the scanning geometry and speed.
authors.affiliation: Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 619 Lower Plenty Road, Yallambie 3085, Australia. stephen.long@arpansa.gov.au
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D002138:Calibration; D005720:Gamma Rays; D011834:Radiation Monitoring / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D011848:Radioactive Pollutants