Practical Gamma-ray Spectroscopy [Hardcover]

Gordon Gilmore (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470861967 | ISBN-13: 978-0470861967 | Publication Date: June 11, 2008 | Edition: 2

The Second Edition of Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry has been completely revised and updated, providing comprehensive coverage of the whole gamma-ray detection and spectrum analysis processes. Drawn on many years of teaching experience to produce this uniquely practical volume, issues discussed include the origin of gamma-rays and the issue of quality assurance in gamma-ray spectrometry. This new edition also covers the analysis of decommissioned nuclear plants, computer modelling systems for calibration, uncertainty measurements in QA, and many more topics.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Using a minimum of mathematics, this extremely lucid guide deals exclusively with gamma-ray measurements. Covers the entire gamma-ray detection process from its origin through the detectors that are used (and how they are used) and the electronic systems associated with them to an evaluation of the process by which the resulting spectra are analyzed. Concludes with a fault-finding guide and a look at the issue of quality control in gamma-ray spectroscopy. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Review of First Edition:
"...a rich source of 'all you need to know about gamma-ray spectrometry'" - Magnetic resonance in Chemistry, 1996.

Practical Gamma-ray Spectrometry

Gamma-ray spectrometry is one of the key techniques in the measurement of radioactive materials. Used by scientists from a wide range of disciplines, problems can be encountered by the inexperienced user because there is a deceptive simplicity in gamma-ray measurements that can hide significant pitfalls.

Practical Gamma-ray Spectrometry is aimed at the analyst using the instrument - it is nearer to a workshop manual than an academic treatise. Each chapter ends with a 'Practical Points' section, which is not a summary as such but a reminder of the more important practical features discussed within the chapter. Mathematics is deliberately kept to a minimum and, in most cases, equations are presented as faites accomplis and are not derived. The book is not intended as a survey of the latest research nor a historical study, and there are very few specific references in the text. Those that do exist are put at the end of each chapter, where there will also be found a more general short list of 'Further Reading'.

New features of this edition include:

• A discussion of digital pulse processing
  
• An explanation of recent changes in the way nuclear data is being kept up-to-date.
  
• The introduction of the matter of uncertainty budgets, which are of increasing importance, and essential for laboratories seeking formal accreditation.
  
• An in-depth examination of the measurement of naturally occurring radioactive materials
  
• By way of examples, illustrating practical applications of gamma spectrometry, measurements in connection with the compulsory test ban treaty verification program, decommissioning of nuclear wastes and nuclear material safeguards are discussed.

No previous knowledge of nuclear matters or instrumentation is assumed, and the text can be used by complete beginners. Practical Gamma-ray Spectrometry will enable all those involved with radioactivity measurements to get the most from their equipment. It will also be of value to researchers, instructors and students in university departments where the measurement of radioactivity is routine, such as physics, chemistry, environmental biology, archaeometry and radiochemistry, and in the nuclear industry as a whole.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 408 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 2 edition (June 11, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470861967
• ISBN-13: 978-0470861967
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.8 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #753,027 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great teaching text book, August 13, 2011

By 

Gamal Akabani "GA" (College Station, TX) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Gamma-ray Spectroscopy (Hardcover)

I am using this text book as a reference for teaching NUEN 303 and NUEN 633 at Texas A&M University, department of Nuclear Engineering. The book is an excellent resource for all our students. The contents are well structured for anyone to study in an organized or focus/individual manner. It covers the areas that Knoll does not cover, practicality.

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended, September 11, 2008

By 

P. Warren "science man" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Gamma-ray Spectroscopy (Hardcover)

A must for any practitioner of gamma-ray spectrometry. This 2nd edition has useful updates, including discussion of Digital Signal Processors (DSP, which to an old timer like me are marvelous innovations). The author provides lucid explanations of everything from how superior-resolution Ge detectors are manufactured to the statistical nuances of spectral data processing. Such a deal!

5.0 out of 5 stars The essential reference work on gamma spectrometry, June 3, 2004

By 

R. J. Ylimaki "Jeffersonian Democrat" (Richmond, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Practical Gamma-Ray Spectrometry (Hardcover)

Gilmore and Hemingway provide the spectrometer user with the wealth of their years experience in assaying gamma samples. Everything from how to set up a germanium crystal spectrometer, how to calibrate, how to count, and how to document for universal acceptance. This is one-stop shopping for gamma spectrometry...including a comprehensive references list at the end of every chapter that provides the reader with their money's worth from this volume.