Forensic radionuclide identification using time-sequence list mode gamma spectroscopy

In this work, we apply the Kalman filter to list mode gamma spectroscopy data on small-scale trials to produce a model for further development. The Kalman filter applied to gamma spectroscopy is similar to the standard spectrum technique, but incorporates the time-varying nature of the data into the analysis. The potential benefits of this approach are quicker, near real-time estimation of the initial state of the system and greater accuracy than traditional peak analysis methods. Results from trials on irradiated uranium oxide, cement, soil, and organic peach leaves indicate the Kalman filter can closely approximate the initial masses of active isotopes.