Real-time gamma-ray energy spectrum / dose monitor with k-α method based on sequential bayesian estimation

Abstract

Medical applications of radiation have been widely spread until now. However, the exposure of medical staff is sometimes overlooked, because treatment of patients is the first priority. The purpose of this study is to develop a small and light monitor that can measure the energy spectrum and dose of gamma-rays at the same time in real-time for medical applications. Using the monitor, the medical staff could be guided to be more aware ofthe risk of radiation, and finally the exposure to them could be substantially suppressed. So far, a CsI scintillator has been chosen as a detection device of gamma-rays and combined with a Multi-Pixel Photon Counter (MPPC) to develop a prototype monitor. Then we confirmed its basic performance with standard gamma-ray sources. To achieve the real-time measurement, α method (sequential Bayesian estimation) was adopted and improved to propose a new unfolding process, named k-α method, with which the convergence speed could really be accelerated to realize real-time measurement. Also, gamma-ray measurements with a mixed source of ¹³³Ba, ¹³⁷Cs and ⁶⁰Co were carried out to confirm the validity of the present monitor. As a result, it was found that gamma-ray energy spectrum could be estimated successfully in several-tens seconds in the field of around 6 μSv/h. For the dose estimation, the correct values could be estimated just after starting measurement.