Chemistry Unit
Determination of gamma-emitting radionuclides by gamma-ray spectrometry
Type of training:
- Group training:
6-8 trainees for six weeks - Individual fellowships:
2 trainees for a period not longer than 6 months
Topics included in the training programme:
- Basic quantities, units, and terminology used in gamma-ray spectrometry
- Set-up and maintenance of gamma-ray spectrometry systems for laboratory or in-situ measurements
- Collection, processing and preparation of environmental samples ("sampling for purpose") for measurement by gamma-ray spectrometry
- Calibration of a gamma-ray spectrometry system for laboratory or in-situ measurements
- Determination of activity concentration in environmental samples (laboratory gamma-ray spectrometry)
- In-situ gamma-ray spectrometry (i.e. field measurements)
- Operation of dedicated software packages from Canberra (Genie-2000, MGAU, LABSOCS, ISOCS) or Ortec (GammaVision, Isotopic)
- How to automate data acquisition and evaluation (analysis sequences, REXX-programming)
- Correction of results for sample mass density and atomic composition
- Evaluation of the total uncertainty associated with a result from a gamma-ray spectrometry measurement
QA/QC subjects included in the training:
- Regular monitoring of the system performance; establishing, maintaining and interpreting
- QC-charts
- Appropriate use of reference materials
- Reporting results
- Bookkeeping of laboratory records
Target groups:
Laboratory technicians responsible for performing routine gamma-ray spectrometry measurements.
Prerequisites:
Secondary education; basic knowledge on the operation of a personal computer, electronic spreadsheet (Excel) and word processor (Word). Prior experience with programming language is required for the part of the course utilising REXX-programming.
Remarks:
One or more of the topics could be selected depending on the level of experience of the candidate. Note, that each of the topics can be a stand alone training module or the subject of an individual fellowship training, e.g. using ISOCS software for in-situ gamma-ray measurements. Requests for training in special topics concerning gamma-ray spectrometry are welcome and will be considered.
Further details can be obtained from: M.Makarewicz@IAEA.org;