Study of gamma ray backscattering by Polystyrene and Borosilicate glass

This paper presents the experimental study of gamma backscattering by Polystyrene and Borosilicate glass. The study of backscattering of gamma rays by materials is very useful method to understand the interaction of gamma radiations with matter. Gamma back scattering can be used to study physical properties such as density, shape and thickness of backscattering materials. Gamma back scattering study is useful where only one side of sample is accessible and access of other side is difficult. In this experimental work Cs-137 radioactive source and GSpec gamma spectroscopy system have been used. For standardization purposes the preliminary experiments were carried out and in order to minimize the thermal noise the experiments were carried out during night time. The spectral analysis was made using Spectrum Analysis and Analyzing Software (SAAS).The experimental results confirmed that the count rate under backscattering peak varies linearly up to thickness 2.4 cm of polystyrene and thickness 1.5 cm of lead glass. The experimental results fit with linear regression line with in ±5%.