Advances in gamma-ray spectroscopy : compton suppression and gamma-gamma coincidence

This project aims to improve research in gamma-ray spectroscopy by using advanced detector systems. These systems are designed to reduce interference inherent in gamma-ray spectroscopy by rejecting Compton scattering events from high-energy gamma-rays, as well as look at cascading decays of gamma-rays through gamma-gamma coincidence counting. By combining these methods, one is able to lower detection limits for many elements than would otherwise be possible. This work also takes advantage of neutron activation analysis, which allows stable elements to be analyzed by activating them with neutrons, causing them to become unstable and decay with radioactive signatures. By analyzing these signatures, one is able to detect trace levels of elements with relatively small samples sizes (< 1g) and in a nondestructive manner.