# Using a portable muon detector for radioactive source measurements and identification

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how portable muon detectors can be repurposed to measure and identify radioactive sources by calibration, simulation, and spectral analysis, offering a versatile approach for radiation detection.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel application of portable muon detectors for radioactive source measurement and identification, including calibration and spectral analysis methods.

## Key findings

- Successfully calibrated detectors using atmospheric muons
- Developed a method to evaluate source activity
- Enabled discrimination between different beta sources

## Abstract

We have re-purposed portable plastic scintillator muon detectors, designed by the CosmicWatch project, for the measurement of electrons emitted by the decay of radioactive sources. For the latter purpose we have first calibrated the detectors using the local atmospheric muon flux, performing angular distribution and attenuation measurements. In addition, we have simulated the detector using Geant4 in a detailed fashion for a cross-check and better understanding of the device. Then, we have developed a method to evaluate the activity of $\beta$-sources and to discriminate different $\beta$-sources by looking into their respective voltage spectrum output.