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Results from radioactivity project invaluable in event of a nuclear accident

Angular dependence of the detector's response to gamma radiation. Shown is an x-ray image of the scintillation detector setup consisting of the scintillation crystal (yellow) and a photomultiplier tube, both inside a weatherproof cylindrical housing.

Spectroscopic dosimeters developed within EMRP project undergo first intercomparison worldwide and get mentioned at UK parliamentary meeting

The early warning of nuclear accidents will help improve Europe's ability to detect and respond to radiological incidents. EMRP project Metrology for radiological early warning networks in Europe (ENV57 MetroERM) aims to aid early detection by developing devices and methods to harmonise the data collected and improve comparisons between different stations and networks.

Within the project, an intercomparison of novel scintillation-based spectroscopic dosimeters at low dose rates was performed at PTB’s reference facilities and signifies the first intercomparison of these new spectrometry systems worldwide. The reference fields used at PTB are traceable to primary standards and the results provided by project partners reveal considerable advantages of these systems compared with conventional dosimeters, which are typically based on gas-filled counters.

The political relevance of the project has also been demonstrated as the project was mentioned during a UK parliamentary committee, investigating the UK’s arrangements for responding in the event of a nuclear accident. It was pointed out to the committee that spectroscopic instruments have the potential to improve the quality of the information provided by national networks.