Temperature peak-shift correction methods for NaI(Tl) and LaBr3(Ce) gamma-ray spectrum stabilisation

NaI(Tl) and LaBr3(Ce) detectors are frequently operated under unstable temperature conditions when used in an open environment. These temperature changes result in a peak shift and spectral distortion during measurement. Two methods are proposed to stabilise the measured spectra; they are applied using a software algorithm, without the necessity of adjusting the gain. Both methods are based on the experimental observation that the relative channel displacement due to temperature changes is approximately the same for all channels. The first method corrects the spectrum using experimental data obtained under controlled conditions in the laboratory, and thus it only depends on the detector temperature. The second method uses one known peak in the spectrum to correct all of the channels: the NORM 40K peak for the NaI(Tl) detector, the internal contaminant peak of 138La for the LaBr3(Ce), or an external source when these two cannot be easily identified.

► NaI(Tl) and LaBr3(Ce) scintillation detectors are used for gamma-ray spectrometry.
► Environmental temperature changes result in a peak shift and spectral distortion.
► Two methods are proposed to stabilise the measured spectra.
► These methods are applied using a software algorithm, without adjusting the gain.
► Both methods are tested in the laboratory under controlled temperature conditions.