Statistical analysis of low-level material screening measurements via gamma-spectroscopy

Appl Radiat Isot. 2009 May;67(5):741-5. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2009.01.028. Epub 2009 Jan 23.

Abstract

Background estimations in neutrinoless double beta decay experiments (0nubetabeta) require reliable statistical limits on gamma-spectrometric low-level material screening measurements. For this purpose a custom method based on Bayesian statistics with reference to the international standard ISO 11929-7 is presented. The analysis combines the data from sample- and background spectra and comprises the physical knowledge of non-negative counting rates. It allows to incorporate multiple gamma lines of radionuclides. The confidence intervals pass continuously from two-sided intervals into single-sided upper limits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bayes Theorem*
  • Internationality
  • Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Reference Standards
  • Spectrometry, Gamma / methods*

Substances

  • Radioisotopes