Abstract: A radiation-detecting probe instrument has a forward working portion housing a radiation detector and a rearward user directed portion, and is in communication with a control assembly for processing and outputting signals received from the radiation detector correlative to a located radionuclide source emitting energy above 88 KeV (for Pb). The disclosed probe instrument forward portion has an annular housing having a radiation transparent tip. The radiation detector is disposed behind the radiation transparent tip. A characteristic x-ray radiation emitting wafer (e.g., Pb) is disposed either between or behind the radiation transparent tip and the radiation detector. A radiation resistant (e.g., W) shield is disposed between the annular housing and the radiation detector and the characteristic x-ray emission wafer.

Abstract: A radiation-detecting probe instrument has a forward working portion housing a radiation detector and a rearward user directed portion, and is in communication with a control assembly for processing and outputting signals received from the radiation detector correlative to a located radionuclide source emitting energy above about 80 KeV. The disclosed probe instrument forward portion has an annular housing having a radiation transparent tip. The radiation detector is disposed behind the radiation transparent tip. A K alpha radiation emitting wafer (e.g., Pb) wafer is disposed between the radiation transparent tip and the radiation detector. A radiation resistant (e.g., W) shield is disposed between the annular housing and the radiation detector and the Pb wafer. Radiation emitted from the radionuclide source strikes the Pb wafer causing the Pb wafer to emit K alpha radiation, which strikes the radiation detector for generating signals for communication the said control assembly.