Sources for Research Applications

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Alpha Sources—AFR Sources
The AFR sources with rolled foils are available for Am-241 and Po-210. The standard mounting is in a type A-2 capsule (Fig 68-A ) with a 9.5 mm (0.375”) active diameter. The active element for Am-241 consists of a rolled monolithic foil in which the activity is incorporated into a thin gold layer and bonded to a 0.001 mm (0.00004”) gold cover. (Fig 67-A). The active element for Po-210 consists of a rolled monolithic foil in which the activity is incorporated into a thin gold layer and bonded to a 0.001mm (0.00004”) silver cover. (Fig 67-B). The active foils are sealed into the A-2 capsule with a vacuum compatible epoxy resin. The resulting unit is suitable for space and other high vacuum and low temperature applications. The foil construction is extremely resistant to leakage from puncture since there is no separate window or air space. The self absorption of the gold matrix plus the integral window absorption reduces the alpha-max energy to approximately 4.7 MeV for Am-24 1 and approximately 4.2 MeV for Po-210. Inquiries for more accurate calibration w ill be quoted upon request. These sources are not sold as spectral grade sources. The standard active area is approximately 0.71 cm2, corresponding to the 9.5 mm (0.374”) window diameter. Contained activity is certified to ±30% of the nominal value. NIST traceability is available for contained activity of Am-241 sources up to 100 μCi (3.7 MBq). NIST traceability is not available for Po-210 sources. Standard activities are listed below. Higher activities for both nuclides are available on request.

   

BFR Sources
These sources provide a safe and convenient package for prototype studies, attenuation, and general laboratory use. The standard mount is in an A-2 capsule. Contained activity is supplied as a nominal value ±15%. A NIST traceable calibration of the contained activity is available for Ru-106/Rh-106 only.

1) Source has a ceramic active element which will reduce beta output.

Mono-Energetic (Conversion) Electron Sources—ME Series
These sources are used as energy markers for the calibration of solid-state detectors and beta spectrometers. Sources are prepared by electrodeposition or evaporation of the radionuclide as a 0.2” (5.08 mm) diameter spot on very thin Mylar, nickel, or platinum surface foil, and protected by a 100-200 μg/cm2 acrylic cover. This assembly is mounted in an aluminum ring from which it can easily be removed (MF-1 mount). Contained activity is supplied as a nominal value ±15%. A NIST traceable calibration of the contained value will be provided on request. Sources
are sold as “open sources”. The source surface can not be wiped. Please refer to page 72 for complete wipe test information.

Positron Sources—POSK and POSN Series
Ge-68 and Na-22 positron sources are available in titanium and polyimide film configurations. Although designed primarily for use in studies of solid state vacancy phenomena, the titanium configuration may be used in any application requiring conditions of high vacuum or elevated temperature.

The titanium source is 0.750” (19.1 mm) in diameter and has an active diameter of 0.375” (9.53 mm). The activity is placed between two layers of 0.0002” (0.0051 mm) titanium foil, supported by two 0.010” (0.25 mm) titanium disks. This assembly is sealed by electron beam welding.

The polyimide source is 0.5” (12.7 mm) in diameter and has an active diameter of 0.2” (5.08 mm). Other sizes are available upon request. The activity is deposited between two layers of 7.2 mg/cm2 polyimide and sealed with epoxy. This source is NOT designed for vacuum applications or for temperatures above approximately 200˚C. Contained activity is supplied as a nominal value ±15%. A NIST traceable calibration of the contained value will be quoted upon request.

Plastic Scintillator
Plastic scintillators uniformly loaded with low levels of various radionuclides are prepared by dissolving an organic derivative of the radionuclide in unpolymerized scintillation material, such as Bicron BC-490 and BC-430. Custom polystyrene plastic with customer specified scintillators is also available.

In addition, radionuclides can also be applied to crystal scintillators of CaF2 and LiF, and other plastic scintillator plastic blocks. These can then be encapsulated to customer design.

The cured material is molded, cut and machined to customer specifications, however, dimensional tolerances must be kept to ±0.015” ( ±0.38mm). One surface is then optically polished. Other surfaces can be optically polished upon request. Please contact customer service for a quotation. These sources may be used under vacuum.

Contained activity is supplied as a nominal value ±15%. Of the two nuclides routinely available, Am-241 functions in the coincident mode with gating effect >98%; C-14 functions as a simple light pulser.

Am-241 alpha decay yields approximately 0.6 photons/disintegration-keV energy. C-14 beta decay yields approximately 6.0 photons/disintegration-keV energy. Light output is measured by a photomultiplier tube but cross calibrations with our laboratory are advised if output in a specific range is desired.

The following table is for our standard product, a simple cylindrical shape with one optical surface. Other shapes such as sheets or square crosssections will be quoted upon request.

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