Shielded pads for detecting subsurface radiation phenomena

An apparatus for detecting subsurface radiation phenomena, comprising:

• an elongated support member adapted for disposal within a wellbore traversing a subsurface formation;
• said support member having a C-shaped recess formed along its longitudinal axis;
• a pad linked to the support member, said pad having a rounded surface correspondingly shaped to fit in juxtaposition with the C-shaped recess in said support member;
• the pad adapted for movement into and out of said recess such that an exposed surface of said pad can extend away from said support member;
• at least one radiation detector disposed within said pad;
• and
• said pad adapted with shielding material on its sides near the exposed surface to prevent radiation reflected from said recess from reaching the at least one detector from the area near said exposed surface.

A method for detecting subsurface radiation phenomena, comprising:

• disposing an elongated support member within a wellbore traversing a subsurface formation, the support member having a recess along its longitudinal axis and a pad linked thereto, said pad having a surface correspondingly shaped to fit in juxtaposition with said recess and a surface exposed to said wellbore, said pad having at least one radiation detector disposed thereon and adapted with shielding material on its sides near the exposed surface to prevent radiation reflected from said recess from reaching the at least one detector from the area near said exposed surface;
• activating the pad to move in and out of said recess to position the exposed surface of said pad within the wellbore;
• and
• detecting radiation phenomena with said at least one detector.