Hand-held, mechanically cooled, radiation detection system for gamma-ray spectroscopy

A method, comprising:

• cooling a radiation detector included in a portable radiation detection system with a first cooler not included in the portable radiation detection system until the radiation detector reaches a predetermined temperature;
• and
• cooling the radiation detector with a second cooler included in the portable radiation detection system to at least maintain the predetermined temperature;
• wherein the first cooler utilizes a first cooling interface and the second cooler utilizes a second cooling interface separate from the first cooling interface.

A radiation detection system, comprising:

• a radiation detector;
• a first enclosure encapsulating the radiation detector, the first enclosure including a low-emissivity infra-red (IR) reflective coating used to thermally isolate the radiation detector;
• a second enclosure encapsulating the first enclosure, the first enclosure being suspension mounted to the second enclosure;
• a first cooler capable of cooling the radiation detector;
• a first cooling interface positioned on the second enclosure for coupling the first cooler and the first enclosure;
• a second cooling interface positioned on the second enclosure capable of coupling the first enclosure to an external cooler separate from the radiation detection system, wherein the external cooler is different from the first cooler;
• and
• wherein a ratio of an inner surface area of the second enclosure to an outer surface area of the first enclosure is less than about 1.5.