Determining the probability of locating peaks using computerized peak-location methods in gamma-ray spectra as a function of the relative peak-area uncertainty

Appl Radiat Isot. 2020 Jan:155:108920. doi: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.108920. Epub 2019 Oct 4.

Abstract

The probabilities of locating peaks with a high relative peak-area uncertainty were determined empirically with nine types of peak-location software used in laboratories engaged in gamma-ray spectrometry measurements. It was found that it is not possible to locate peaks with a probability of 0.95, when they have a relative peak-area uncertainty in excess of 50%. Locating peaks at these relatively high peak-area uncertainties with a probability greater than 0.95 is only possible in the library-driven mode, where the peak positions are supposed a-priori. The deficiencies of the library-driven mode and the possibilities to improve the probabilities of locating peaks are briefly discussed.

Keywords: Decision threshold; Gamma-ray spectrometry; Peak location; Relative peak-area uncertainty.