A mobile gamma ray spectrometer system for nuclear hazard mapping

Abstract

The Geological Survey of Norway has developed a system for mobile gamma ray\rspectrometer surveying suitable for use in nuclear emergencies where\rpotentially dangerous radioactive materials have been released into the\renvironment. The measuring system has been designed for use with different\rkinds of transportation platform. These include fixed-wing aircraft,\rhelicopters and vans. The choice of transportation platform depends on the\rnature of the nuclear emergency. Widespread fallout from a distant source can\rbe mapped quickly from the air while local sources of radiation can be deline-\rated by a car-borne system.\rThe measuring system processes gamma ray spectra in real-time. The operator of\rthe system is therefore able to guide surveying in accordance with meaningsful\rdata values and immediately report these values to decision-making authorities.\rThe operator is presented with a number of different displays suited to\rdifferent kinds of nuclear emergencies that lead to more efficient surveying.\rReal-time processing of data means that the results of a survey can be\rdelivered to decision-makers immediately upon return to base. It is also\rpossible to deliver data via alive mobile telephone link while surveying is\runderway.