Isotopic Analysis of Low-Activity Plutonium Samples Using High-Resolution Alpha and Photon Spectroscopy.

Abstract

High-resolution alpha particle and photon spectroscopy is applied to determining the ratios of 239Pu and 240Pu in isotopically mixed samples of less than a few thousand DPM. The utility of alpha-gamma coincidence and L-shell x-ray spectroscopy methods are explored. Experimental equipment, procedures and calibration methods are discussed. Minimum sample activities necessary for quantification are presented for each method. Instrumental and statistical uncertainties prevented reliable determination of isotopic ratios. Improvements in equipment are recommended to reduce uncertainties. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA038910

Entities

People

  • Jack L. Strickland

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Alpha Decay
  • Alpha Particles
  • Alpha Spectra
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Gamma Rays
  • Geometry
  • High Resolution
  • Internal Conversion
  • Measurement
  • Nuclear Physics
  • Radioactive Decay
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy
  • X Rays
  • X-Ray Detectors

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Medical Imaging.
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Solar Physics