Shielding and background reduction

The background spectrum in a Low Background intrinsic germanium detector was analysed. Different possible sources of background and the influence of the materials used as well as the thickness of shielding was studied. Lead, copper, nylon, delrin and teflon of different thicknessewere used. Too much shielding material could induce some gamma rays from neutron production in the shielding due to cosmic muons. The influence of cosmic muons by going underground was also analysed by using data from the underground LABAC laboratory in Calatayud (Zaragoza).