Spectral component analysis applied to portable gamma ray spectrometry

Abstract

Spectral component analysis is commonly applied to airborne gamma ray spectral data to reduce statistical noise in the measurements of potassium, uranium and thorium. This technique has been applied to continuous 5-second ground measurements with a portable gamma ray spectrometer using a 7.6 cm ´ 7.6 cm (3 inch ´ 3 inch) sodium iodide detector. The results have shown that the reduction in statistical noise is much greater than for large airborne detectors. Even with a short sampling time of 5-seconds, continuous ground measurements have practical significance for both geological mapping and mineral exploration.