Quantitative Analysis Using a Compact High Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometer

Gamma-ray spectroscopy is a critical tool for characterizing radioactive sources. There are many applications that require a combination of portability, detection efficiency, and energy resolution. This paper presents measurements from a CZT-based detector configuration with total detection volume greater than 19 cm3, energy resolution around 4.0 keV FWHM at 662 keV, and total device weight less than 600g. This device can provide fully calibrated list-mode data at more than 150,000 CPS through a serial data connection to the embedded computer. Side-by-side comparisons with HPGe and a scintillator are presented using special nuclear material in configurations relevant to safeguards applications. The stability over time as well as with varying temperature and count rate are also characterized in this work.