On within sample homogeneity testing using gamma-ray spectrometry

Several problems concerning 133Ba activity distribution in a cylindrical source were addressed by measurements with a 47% n-type HPGe detector and by simulation. Within-sample homogeneity was tested using the count rates from normal and from pure sum peaks. The sensitivity of front versus back source measurements to deviations from uniform distribution was studied. In the case of distributions symmetric with respect to the median plane of the source quantities that can provide information on the distribution of the activity were proposed.

► Within-sample homogeneity was experimentally tested for a cylindrical 133Ba source. ► The sample was counted in several symmetric positions with an n-type HPGe. ► Count rate variability in normal and pure sum peaks (also with X-rays) was studied. ► Synthetic data for non-uniform sources were prepared by Monte Carlo simulation. ► Tests of homogeneity based on various quantities were applied to the synthetic data.