Method for calculating radon activity and radon rejection using a beta-gamma detector

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry Vol. 331; no. 12; pp. 5027 - 5032
• Main Authors: Mayer, Michael F., Cooper, Matthew W., Ely, James H., Hayes, James C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 01-12-2022; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Arms control; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Detectors; Diagnostic Radiology; Hadrons; Heavy Ions; Inorganic Chemistry; Mathematical analysis; Nuclear Chemistry; Nuclear Physics; Physical Chemistry; RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY; Radioxenon; Radon; Radon rejection; Rejection; Verification; Radon rejection; Radon; Radioxenon
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08480-1

Radon interferes with concentration measurements used by atmospheric radioxenon systems. We demonstrate a method to quantify the amount of radon that is present in the detectors, the impact of radon activity on the minimum-detectable-concentrations, and how to determine the needed radon rejection levels. An example calculation shows a radon rejection level of 10
5
is sufficient to limit impact on the detector sensitivity. We anticipate this method will give analysist a better understanding of radon present in their measurements and allow system designers to tailor their systems’ radon rejection better for its location.