Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand


Open-source hardware and cost-effective gamma-ray spectrometer using Raspberry Pi Pico

Full text
Author(s):
Bonifacio, D. A. B. ; Rodriguez, U. B. ; Alcantara-Nunez, J. ; dos Santos, A. D. ; Carvalho, D. V. S. ; Murata, H. M. ; Perotoni, M. B. ; Moralles, M. ; Rosezky, M.
Total Authors: 9
Document type: Journal article
Source: Radiation Physics and Chemistry; v. 234, p. 11-pg., 2025-09-01.
Abstract

This work presents the development and evaluation of the OpenGamma spectrometer, an open-source, compact and cost-effective gamma-ray detection system built on a Raspberry Pi Pico board. Data acquisition was performed using a GAGG scintillation crystal coupled with a Silicon Photomultiplier (SiPM). The background count rate was 5.24 counts per second. The system was evaluated with standard radioactive sources, achieving an energy resolution of 7.6% at 662 keV, which is comparable to other low-cost gamma spectrometers. The energy calibration curve exhibited a slightly quadratic behavior, typical for scintillation detectors. The dead time was estimated at 39.9 +/- 3.9 mu s, reflecting the system's capacity to process signals with minimal loss. The Gamma MCA web application further enhances the usability of the spectrometer by providing a userfriendly interface for data acquisition and analysis. The OpenGamma spectrometer offers a promising solution for applications in education, research, and field deployment. Future work will focus on improving its energy resolution and dead time to expand its use cases. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 23/00079-8 - Development of a radionuclide identifier based on nuclear spectroscopy and machine learning techniques
Grantee:Ubaldo Baños Rodríguez
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE