Gamma spectroscopy provides identification and measurement of activity of radionuclides which emit gamma radiation or X-rays. The energies and the photon yields are characteristic for specific nuclides. Detectors like for instance semiconductors, scintillators or proportional counters are sensitive to the deposited gamma energy. Using pulse height analysis gamma spectra can be acquired

Gamma spectroscopy was for many years the domaine for sophisticated laboratory ecquipment. Since recently there are instruments commercially availabel, which enable gamma spectroscopy in one hand. Berthold offers the new LB125. It has a NaI scintillator as detector and a fast multi-channel analyzer for signal processing. Maximum operating time with charged batteries is a full working day (> 8h). The resolution of the NaI is sufficient for the identification of many nuclides.

In many applications like for instance transport inspection, waste monitoring, leackage control, scrap monitoring and in the search for illicit trafficking radioactive materials at customs there is demanding need for instruments which are capable for efficient search and immediate identification of radionuclides. The institutions involved in these investigations are customs, police, military but also industry or nuclear medicine and research. These people have frequently low skills in the measurement of ionizing radiation. Therefore it is extremely important to provide instruments which are easy-to-be-used. Berthold offer the LB 125 handheld Gamma Spectrometer. This device has an automatic mode for search and survey.