External bremsstrahlung spectra of the 90Sr source in some lead compounds measured using NaI detector

The spectral distributions of external bremsstrahlung (EB) excited by beta particles from a 90Sr/90Y source in thick target compounds PbCl2, PbF2, Pb(NO3)2 and CdO were measured using a 3.8 cm × 3.8 cm NaI(Tl) crystal. The spectra, unfolded using the Liden-Starfelt procedure, showed fairly good agreement with theory (Tseng and Pratt) at low energies and some deviation (less than 15%) at higher energies. The discrepancy between theory and experiment increases with modified atomic number of the target compound and photon energy. The application of the measured/theoretical spectrum to estimate the bremsstrahlung dose is also discussed.

► The Bremsstrahlung spectrum of 90Sr/90Y in compounds like PbCl2, PbF2, Pb(NO3)2 and CdO were measured. ► The measured spectra show good agreement with the theory at low energy end of spectrum and some deviation at higher energy. ► The application of measured/theoretical spectrum in the estimation of Bremsstrahlung dose is also discussed.