Practical Gamma-ray Spectrometry

by Gordon Gilmore

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.

408 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2008

Reviews

[Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have dedicated a good deal of my year reading this book while I wrote my thesis, so it's more than fair sparing some minutes and leaving a few words about the AWESOMENESS that Gilmore achieved with this book. As a newbie gamma-ray spectrometrist, I had relied upon my supervisors' expertise and a whole lot of trial and error along the way, until I could summon up enough confidence to speak aloud "I know spectrometry-fu". Then a friend came up with this book and, damn, I'm taking my words back. Knoll and L'Anunzziata may know their thing (and their books are certainly references in the field), but Gilmore's practical approach makes the read much more enjoyable. Every chapter contained new stuff to be known. He covers from hardcore statistics and the whys and becauses of specific software perks (I'm looking at you, Genie 2000 and your silly FWHM curve) to the electronic realms of the spectrometry system. This book has everything to become the only user manual a gamma-ray spectrometrist will ever need.

[Ishtar Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps the most useful took the Gamma Spectrometrist can ever own, aside from the requisite equipment.

Contained within this book are the equations, step by step explanations, and details needed to understand Gamma and X-ray Spectrometry for both Crystal and HPGe Detectors. I have considered buying a second copy (not cheap either) just to have a backup. I keep this book wrapped in plastic to protect it. I'd lend my gamma spectrometer to a friend before I lent this book.