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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

METHOD OF PREPARING POLONIUM-BORON SOURCES

Patent ·
OSTI ID:4205198

An improved technique is described for preparation of a polonium-boron neutron source. A selected amount of Po-210 is vaporized into a thin walled nickel container, then the desired amcunt of boron powder is added. After sealing the container, it is heated quickly by induction heating to vaporize the Po-210 and deposit it in the still cool boron powder. The unit is then quickly cooled to prevent revaporization of the Po-210 from the boron. The build-up of neutron emission may be followed by means of a neutron counter in order to terminate the heating at the optimum level of neutron yield.

Research Organization:
Originating Research Org. not identified
NSA Number:
NSA-14-002856
Assignee:
U.S. Atomic Energy Commission
Patent Number(s):
US 2898473
OSTI ID:
4205198
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English