A comparative study of color quenching correction methods for Cerenkov counting

The color quenching correction for Cerenkov counting is normally based on indexes defined for liquid scintillation spectra. Because of the differences in the spectrum shapes, these indexes are not optimal, and a different method was proposed based on the integral counting of the external 152Eu source spectra of a 1200 Quantulus system. We have shown that this method, named ESAR (external source area ratio), is superior to all the other correction methods, offering the highest sensitivity and the widest range of application.

► A new color quenching correction method was tested for Cerenkov counting. ► It uses the spectrum of the 152Eu outer source of a Quantulus 1220™ system. ► The method (ESAR) was compared to conventional quenching correction methods. ► It is sensitive and adequate also for low level counting. ► It works over a higher range of quenching than all other conventional methods.