Significance and Use
5.1 High-purity germanium detectors are used for precise gamma-ray spectroscopy for the purpose of determining radioactivity in materials. Typical applications include monitoring, mapping, and characterization of neutron energy spectra in nuclear reactors or isotopic fission sources.
Scope
1.1 This standard establishes techniques for calibration, usage, and performance testing of germanium detectors for the measurement of gamma-ray emission rates of radionuclides in radiation metrology for reactor dosimetry. The practice is applicable only to samples of small size, approximating to point sources. It covers the energy and full-energy peak efficiency calibration as well as the determination of gamma-ray energies in the 0.06 MeV to 2 MeV energy region and is designed to yield gamma-ray emission rates with an uncertainty of ±3 % (see Note 1). This technique applies to measurements that do not involve overlapping peaks, and in which peak-to-continuum considerations are not important.
Note 1: Uncertainty U is given at the 68 % confidence level; that is, 
where δi are the estimated maximum systematic uncertainties, and σi are the random uncertainties at the 68 % confidence level. Other techniques of error analysis are in use (1, 2).2
1.2 Additional information on the setup, calibration, and quality control for radiometric detectors and measurements is given in IEEE/ANSI N42.14 and in Guide C1402 and Practice D7282.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are generally to be regarded as standard. The rad is an exception.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
