Spectral unmixing applied to fast identification of γ-emitting radionuclides using NaI(Tl) detectors

Spectral unmixing was investigated for fast spectroscopic identification in γ-emitter mixtures at low-statistics in the case of measurements performed to prevent illegal nuclear material trafficking or for in situ environmental analysis following a radiological or nuclear accident. For that purpose, a multiplicative update algorithm based on full-spectrum analysis was tested in the case of a 3″x3″ NaI(Tl) detector. Automatic decision-making was addressed using Monte Carlo calculations of decision thresholds and detection limits. The first results obtained with a portable instrument equipped with a 3″x3″ NaI(Tl) detector designed for the control of food samples by non-expert users following a radiological or nuclear accident, are also presented. •Spectral unmixing based on full-spectrum analysis investigated for fast spectroscopic identification of γ-emitters.•Multiplicative update algorithm developed for automatic decision-making at low-statistics.•Identification code designed to be implemented in embedded digital devices for in situ measurements.•Development of detection systems used to prevent illegal nuclear material trafficking or for environmental analysis.