Gamma Ray Spectrometry Using a NaI(Tl) Scintillator

Abstract

I've converted the Physics Department's single-channel scintillation gamma detector into a multi-channel spectrometer by integrating a multi-channel analyzer (MCA) into the current system. The original system could not be used to accurately measure the spectrum of a radioactive source. I’ve written a python program to display and interpret the data taken from the MCA. I've used this system to determine unknown isotopes in many radioactive samples, as well as show the linearity of the system, and the effects of background radiation on sampling. This improved system can be used by the Physics Department for further studies in gamma ray spectrometry.