IEC 61452:2021 establishes methods for the calibration and use of high purity germanium spectrometers for the measurement of photon energies and emission rates over the energy range from 45 keV to approximately 3 000 keV and the calculation of radionuclide activities from these measurements. Minimum requirements for automated peak finding are stated. This document establishes methods for measuring the full-energy peak efficiency with calibrated sources.
The object of this document is to provide a basis for the routine calibration and use of germanium (HPGe) semiconductor detectors for the measurement of gamma-ray emission rates and thereby the activities of the radionuclides in a sample. It is intended for use by persons who have an understanding of the principles of HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry and are responsible for the development of correct procedures for the calibration and use of such detectors. This document is primarily intended for routine analytical measurements. Related documents are IEC 60973 and ISO 20042.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 1995. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a. title modified;
b. additional information on digital electronics;
c. information on Monte Carlo simulations;
d. reference to detection limits calculations.