List-mode coincidence data analysis for highly selective and low background detection of gamma-nuclides in activated samples

Abstract

Highly selective and sensitive γ-ray detection was performed by coincidence and anticoincidence event analysis after list-mode data acquisition using an HPGe spectrometer equipped with NaI(Tl) and plastic scintillation detectors. In order to obtain the most suitable detection of specific nuclides, coincidence or anticoincidence spectra could be freely constructed by extracting events with particular time and energy correlations. Although the detector arrangement of this system was the same as that of a typical Compton suppression spectrometer, background counts were drastically reduced and γ-rays of particular nuclides could be selectively detected by using γ-γ, γ-X, γ-X-X, and γ-β⁺ coincidences.