Gamma Spectrometry Forum

Hi everyone and thank you for having me !

I'm Alain, I'm 37 and I live in France next to the german border. I'm currently a technology teacher and I've been interested in sciences since I was a child. I've recently purchased a Geiger Counter (GMC-320 plus) to do some radiactivity scouting on some ceramics and glassware I own. That's how I got growing interests in radiation detecting and now I really would like to be able to do more especially gamma spectrometry !

I've discovered this nice forum while looking for a gamma spectrometer. I haven't made my mind yet, but I would like to find one that would be sensitive enough to detect Cs137 traces in soil while not being to expensive, since it is something new for me. I'll do some more reading and I would be thankful for any tips to help me to making the right pick !

Hello Alain,

Welcome to the forum and thanks for the intro.

Putting together a spectrometer to measure Cs-137 and other isotopes is no problem, you will find all the information you need here.

The detector is the most expensive component, but it is not so difficult to make your own (if you like that kind of thing).

I hear things are a bit crazy in France at the moment, so stay safe and carry your geiger counter, that way people may keep a good distance :)

Steven

Hi Steven and thank you for your welcome,

I live in the countryside and things aren't bad there and indeed, I'll keep playing with my counter ;)

Regarding the DIY detectors, I've considered it, however sourcing the different parts I need from different places makes the total shipping cost and border taxes much too high (it's still worth for high end stuff but I'm not there yet). So I think I'll start my journey across gamma spectroscopy with a reliable used and refurbished detector. This will be good enough to learn while making nice experiments. I'll see then if I need something better and I might try to build one myself. BTW I've seen browsing the forum that you've put together some real monsters ! Amazing Job !

Cheers,