Which portable survey instrument provides excellent sensitivity for locating contamination?

Scintillation survey instruments are recognized for their excellent sensitivity in detecting radioactive contamination due to their ability to measure gamma and beta emissions effectively. They operate on the principle of scintillation, where a crystal emits light when it interacts with ionizing radiation. This light is then converted into an electrical signal, allowing for the detection of even low levels of radiation.

This high sensitivity makes scintillation instruments particularly useful for locating contamination in various environments, as they can detect very small amounts of radioactive substances. They are often used in situations where quick identification of contamination is critical, such as in laboratories or areas where radioactive materials are handled.

In contrast, while Geiger-Muller instruments can also detect radiation, they tend to be less sensitive to low levels of contamination compared to scintillation detectors. Ionization chamber survey instruments excel in measuring higher radiation doses but may not be as effective in locating minute traces of contamination. Personal radiation dosimeters are primarily designed for individual dose monitoring rather than for surveying radiation levels or pinpointing contamination. This distinction in the instruments’ intended use and sensitivity is crucial in determining their effectiveness for specific tasks, such as locating contamination.