1、 Technical Overview

Aviation gamma spectroscopy detection technology is a geophysical exploration method that integrates aircraft and gamma spectroscopy measurement systems. This technology utilizes the difference in gamma ray energy released during the decay of radioactive nuclides to quickly and efficiently measure the content and distribution of radioactive nuclides in surface rocks, soil, and atmosphere by flying over the measurement area.

2、 Technical characteristics

Efficiency: Compared with ground gamma spectrum measurement, aerial gamma spectrum detection technology can cover large areas in a short period of time, significantly improving measurement efficiency.
Low cost: Air operations reduce the demand for ground personnel and equipment, thereby lowering overall costs.
Strong terrain adaptability: This technology can effectively measure in plains, hills, medium to low mountain areas, and even complex terrain areas, without being limited by ground conditions.
High precision: Modern aviation gamma spectrometers have high sensitivity and can accurately measure low-level radioactive elements, providing high-precision data.

3、 Technical Principles and Equipment

Principle: Based on the difference in gamma ray energy released by the decay of radioactive elements, the type and content of radioactive elements can be inferred by measuring gamma rays of different energies.
Equipment: Aviation gamma spectroscopy measurement systems typically include aviation gamma spectrometers, digital recording systems, global satellite navigation positioning systems (GPS), radio altimeters, and atmospheric pressure altimeters. These devices are integrated into aircraft such as the Twin Otter (DHC-6 Twin Otter), Y-12 fixed wing aircraft, AS-350 helicopter, etc., to achieve airborne measurement.

4、 Application field

Radioactive mineral exploration: used to search for radioactive minerals such as uranium, and to delineate potential mineralization areas by measuring the distribution of radioactive elements.
Geological mapping: Using information on the content and distribution of radioactive elements to infer rock types and geological structures, and conducting lithological geological mapping.
Environmental radioactive pollution monitoring: In the investigation and monitoring of environmental radioactive pollution, the level of radioactive pollution is evaluated to provide data support for environmental protection.
Monitoring of nuclear facilities and emergency response to nuclear accidents: Conducting environmental radiation monitoring around nuclear facilities and quickly grasping the level and distribution range of radioactive pollution in the event of a nuclear accident, providing a basis for emergency decision-making.

5、 Technological Development and Current Situation

Development history: Since the 1960s, countries such as the United States and Canada have successively developed four channel and multi-channel aviation gamma spectrometers based on NaI (Tl) scintillation counters, ushering in a new era of aviation gamma spectroscopy measurement. China began aerial radioactivity measurement in 1955 and aerial gamma spectroscopy measurement in 1972. Since then, advanced measurement equipment has been continuously introduced and independently developed.
Technical status: Currently, China has independently developed a new generation of advanced equipment such as the AGS-863 digital aviation gamma spectroscopy measurement system, with technical indicators reaching or superior to similar international instruments. Meanwhile, with the application of new aircraft such as drones, aviation gamma spectroscopy detection technology will become more flexible and convenient.



Aviation gamma spectroscopy detection technology plays an important role in areas such as radioactive mineral exploration, geological mapping, environmental radioactive pollution monitoring, nuclear facility monitoring, and nuclear accident emergency response due to its high efficiency, low cost, strong terrain adaptability, and high accuracy. With the continuous development and improvement of technology, this technology will demonstrate its unique advantages and application value in more fields.