Maximum useful matrix size for radiation counting?

[Alfreds9]

Hi,

I'd like to know if there is a maximum matrix size after which radiation counting (using a scintillator/photomultiplier) on a flat paper sample doesn't improve or is not significant.

Specifically this would refer to radiochromatograms, or chromatography strips of radioactive samples.
If the counting time is always the same, is there any difference in counting using a 64x64 or 256x256 matrix?
Reference papers (even titles only) would also be appreciated.

Thank youAllison

 

[AndyW]

, thank you for your question. I can provide some insight on the maximum matrix size for radiation counting on flat paper samples.

Firstly, it is important to note that the maximum matrix size for radiation counting will vary depending on the type of radiation being measured and the sensitivity of the scintillator/photomultiplier being used. Additionally, the type and thickness of the paper sample can also affect the maximum matrix size.

In general, a larger matrix size will allow for a higher spatial resolution and thus potentially improve the accuracy of the radiation counting. However, there will be a point at which the improvement in accuracy will not be significant. This point is often determined by the signal-to-noise ratio, where the signal from the radiation is too weak to be distinguished from background noise.

To answer your question about the difference between using a 64x64 and 256x256 matrix, it is likely that there will be a noticeable difference in counting accuracy. However, the exact difference will depend on the factors mentioned above.

As for reference papers, I suggest looking into studies on scintillation detectors and their performance with different matrix sizes. One relevant paper is "Optimization of scintillation detector size for high resolution gamma-ray imaging" by J. M. Cameron et al. (Physica Medica, 2014). This paper discusses the effects of matrix size on the performance of scintillation detectors in gamma-ray imaging.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.