https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-025-01478-2
Regular Article
Simulating the response of a HPGe-based spectrometer for in situ, long-term operation near the seabed
Department of Physics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
Received:
31
July
2024
Accepted:
20
January
2025
Published online:
31
January
2025
A novel underwater -spectrometer, equipped with a HPGe crystal and utilizing electromechanical cooling, is introduced, and results from detailed Monte Carlo simulations are presented. The spectrometer, which is currently in the development phase, will enable in situ, long-term, high-resolution radioactivity measurements near the seabed for the first time. Valuable experimental data collected will be exploited for interdisciplinary purposes, including radiation monitoring and underwater geological phenomena delineation. Detailed Monte Carlo simulations were used to investigate the response of the spectrometer in the aquatic environment. More specifically, the detection efficiency, the range of spectroscopy and the sensitivity of the proposed method were investigated. Acquired results are expected to be highly influential on the management for the spectrometer’s power supply and field remoteness, parameters essential for the final objective of the overall study. Additionally, the optimization of the proposed setup, recognizing challenges and limitations in its deployment in the harsh marine environment, is a key towards the successful operation of the instrument for
-spectroscopy studies near the seabed.
© The Author(s) 2025
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