A PRACTICAL APPROACH FOR SELF-ABSORPTION CORRECTION IN PB-210 GAMMA-SPECTROMETRIC DATING

Self-absorption correction of low-energy (< 100 keV) gamma-radiation i s a much debated subject when applying low-energy gamma-rays for datin g purposes. Some investigations have hitherto focused on the possibili ty of using either irradiating of the sample and subsequent absortiome try or introducing physical correction. In the present paper an automa tic procedure was elaborated using the ocurrences of other low-energy gamma-lines in the sample, those of Th-234. Theoretical considerations are described on the basis of the mass absorption coefficients as a f unction of energy and atomic number. These considerations are verified by experiments with rock forming oxides and carbonates mixed with Sta ndard Reference Material. Finally, an example is given for the applica tion of the self-absorption correction approach.