The use of the Cerenkov effect in the counting of β- and γ- emitting radionuclides

Abstract

In a transparent medium, β-radiation and the electrons which are released, under certain conditions, by the interaction of γ-radiation with the medium cause Cerenkov-radiation. The intensity of this Cerenkov-radiation was measured in water, glycerol and saturated sodium iodide solution in water. The counting efficiency, the sensitivity and the accuracy of the Cerenkov counting method for both β- and γ-emitting radionuclides in aqueous samples were compared with those associated with competing counting methods. It is concluded that Cerenkov counting has some distinct advantages over liquid scintillation counting and sodium iodide well crystal counting for routine measurements on large aqueous samples containing activities well above background.