Mutual information in measurement by gamma-ray transmission

A study of minimum mutual information, which is treated as a criterion for the realizability of sensor-based systems, is presented. A model of mutual information transfer for gamma ray transmission measurement is established. Study of the mutual information obtained in the coalmine classification system shows that the system can be physically realized in an Automated Coal and Gangue Separator. Industry experiments support this conclusion. However, the system is not realizable in a copper ore classification system, because the mutual information obtained in that system is lower than the lower limit of the sensor channel. The use of more intensive radiation sources with specific parameters is suggested to solve this problem.