Gamma radiation reflected from aluminum block : Compton backscattering

[@The-One-and-Only100]

Does the same principle happen with radium

[@AJApper]

Yes, it does. However, Ra-226 decay is more complicated than Cs-137 and Co-60, generating lots of peaks in its gamma spectrum. Apart from the famous Pb-214 peaks at 242, 295 and 352 keV there are also Bi-214 peaks. They all will generate their own backscatter peaks, Compton continuum and Compton edges, making it difficult to interpret the spectrum. Nevertheless, a higher than usual backscatter peak due to gamma ray reflection in the aluminum block might occur, but it might be obscured due to the many other peaks. I did not test this. I thought it would be better to look at simple isotopes with clear photo peaks.

[@The-One-and-Only100]

@AJApper I tested it myself with a radium source and a cast iron skillet (I don't have an aluminum block lying around), and the source was point blank on the skillet with a radiacode 102 an inch away and let it run for 90 minutes Results were inconclusive

[@AJApper]

@@The-One-and-Only100 Could you identify a backscatter peak ? To enhance the backscatter peak a very massive block is needed, I assume the cast iron skillet is not thick enough.

[@The-One-and-Only100]

@AJApper the only blocks I have are lead, but I don't want to get false readings from bremsstrahlung

[@arthurmead5341]

So glad to see you posting videos again!

[@AJApper]

Thank you, Arthur !