A practical evaluation of measurement uncertainty in gamma-ray efficiency curve determination through an analytical approach.

An example of uncertainty evaluation of an efficiency curve is reported. In the applied method, the efficiency curve is determined through the weighted least square method based on measured efficiencies employing a mixed-radionuclide standard source. The variance-covariance matrix of the efficiencies is determined by evaluating the uncertainties of the counting, the calibrated radioactivities, the correction factors for true coincidence summing, and the inadequacy of the fitting function. The proposed method can be a basis to develop a more general procedure.