Gamma Spectrometry Laboratory
The gamma spectrometry laboratory is concentrated on performing radiation tests on materials and objects using gamma spectroscopy to identify gamma emitting radioactive nuclides within them, and its resulting radiation effects.
The laboratory houses four Sodium Iodide [NaI(Tl)] gamma detector systems for radio activity screening of samples and three High Pure Germanium [HPGe] based high resolution gamma spectrometry systems for further identification and quantification of radioactive nuclides in samples.
Some of the major tests currently performed can be summarized as follows,
- Imported milk powder: Screening test is performed using gamma spectroscopy on imported milk foods for identifying Cs-137 and Cs-134 radionuclide contaminations. The milk foods include full cream milk powder, skimmed milk powder and other milk added products for nutritional purposes.
- Export products: Items such tea, desiccated coconut, herbal medicines, co fibers and many other food products needs certification on radioactive contamination in order to reach international markets and the laboratory provides test services that would be beneficial for the exporters.
- Industrial items: Industrial items made of various materials designated for both local and export markets are analyzed to determine the radio activity concentrations.
- Any imported natural or artificial product with suspicious radioactive contamination: Such tests are necessary for the protection of the general public from possible radiation contamination, and can be performed as guided by any regulatory authority.
- Supporting Research and Development work: Samples from academic or industries are tested for research and development purposes related to radionuclide identification, radioactivity monitoring. Samples may include raw materials such as rubber, polymers, mineral sands, soil samples, vegetation, pure or waste water from artificial or natural sources.
Gamma spectrometry laboratory
