SPARTA: A comprehensive alpha, beta and gamma particulate radiation measurement system for Environment Monitoring

SPARTA™ is a Particulate Radiation Monitor meant for in-situ Environment Monitoring. The monitor combines multiple radiation detectors for both alpha beta monitoring and gamma activity accumulated on the rolling filter. Silicon diodes monitor alpha and beta emissions, while a LaBr3:Ce scintillator coupled to a PMT monitors gamma radiation. The gamma detector is gain stabilized in real time to support hours of sample measurement. Routine monitoring data consisting of alpha, beta and gamma activity concentrations are presented with varying Radon activity. Minimum Detectable gamma Activity (MDA) on the order of 0.19 Bq/m³ were measured in the presence of Radon concentration varying between 0.5 Bq/m³ and 10 Bq/m³. In this paper, we report the advantages of using novel CeBr3 scintillators instead of LaBr3:Ce. A factor two lower MDA is expected and substantiated through preliminary radiation background measurements comparison between LaBr3 and CeBr3 probes.