Abstract:

Background: In gamma spectral measurement, if the sample activity or detection efficiency of the detector is low, the most often used method to reduce the statistical fluctuation of the measurement data is to increase the measurement time and the detector dimensions. Purpose: Considering the economic factors as well as the matching problem with other nuclear electronics devices, both the size of the detector and the measurement time are limited. In this case, processing gamma spectrum data by the mathematical method to reduce statistical fluctuations for fast and accurate analysis of radionuclides received widespread attention at home and abroad. Methods: The basic principles of non-parametric Bootstrap method was described and applied to laboratory gamma spectrum data processing. The gamma spectrum of 241Am, 137Cs and 60Co were measured in different time periods by NaI(Tl) detectors. Results: The non-parametric Bootstrap method was used to process the gamma spectra measured in short time and the results were compared with the gamma spectra data measured in long time under the same conditions, and the calculated spectra agreed well with the measured spectra. Conclusion: It provides a feasible technique to quickly measure gamma spectrum at low activity levels.

Key words: Bootstrap method, Non-parametric method, Confidence interval, Gamma spectrum