Sensitivity comparison of intrinsic germanium detectors with various efficiencies

Abstract

Scientists today are being asked to measure concentrations of radionuclides at increasingly lower levels. This creates a demand for better resolution detectors with larger efficiencies that can provide the necessary sensitivity to accurately determine low levels of radioactivity. This study has acquired a large volume of empirical data for a wide range of relative efficiency germanium detectors. The purpose was to determine the sensitivity of various efficiency high-purity (P-type) germanium detectors produced by a single manufacturer. Selecting efficiency as the only variable and essentially all other variables remaining constant narrowed the field of detectors to 30. This investigation compares the response for the lower limit of detection (LLD), figure-of-merit (FOM), and minimum detectable activity (MDA) versus efficiency. In addition to the efficiency, the resolution, background, peak-to-Compton (P/C), and crystal shape of a p-type detector are of particular importance when considering the parameters of a detectors performance. A concise summary of the results is that the detector of choice for low energy measurements would be a 25% detector with resolution better than 1.8 keV FWHM for the 1.332 keV energy of Co-60. The detector of choice for energy levels greater than 500 keV would be a high efficiency low background detector. If the entire energy range is of interest, then a 70% low background detector with a high P/C and a resolution better than 1.9 keV would yield the lowest MDA and assure the most efficient counting times. 9 refs., 25 figs., 6 tabs.