Alpha particle analysis using PEARLS spectrometry

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:5260240

McKlveen, J W; Klingler, G W; McDowell, W J; Case, G N

Alpha particle assay by conventional plate-counting methods is difficult because chemical separation, tracer techniques, and/or self-absorption losses in the final sample may cause either non-reproducible results or create unacceptable errors. PEARLS (Photon-Electron Rejecting Alpha Liquid Scintillation) Spectrometry is an attractive alternative since radionuclides may be extracted into a scintillator in which there would be no self-absorption or geometry problems and in which up to 100% chemical recovery and counting efficiency is possible. Sample preparation may include extraction of the alpha emitter of interest by a specific organic-phase-soluble compound directly into the liquid scintillator. Detection electronics use energy and pulse-shape discrimination to provide discrete alpha spectra and virtual absence of beta and gamma backgrounds. Backgrounds on the order of 0.01 cpm are readily achievable. Accuracy and reproducibility are typically in the 100 +-1% range. Specific procedures have been developed for gross alpha, uranium, plutonium, thorium, and polonium assay. This paper will review liquid scintillation alpha counting methods and reference some of the specific applications. 8 refs., 1 fig.

• Research Organization: Arizona State Univ., Tempe (USA). Coll. of Engineering and Applied Sciences; Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 5260240
• Report Number(s): CONF-840512-23; ON: DE85016144
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY
655003* -- Medical Physics-- Dosimetry
ACCURACY
ALPHA PARTICLES
CHARGED PARTICLES
COUNTING TECHNIQUES
DAUGHTER PRODUCTS
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
ISOTOPES
NONMETALS
RADON
RARE GASES
SCINTILLATION COUNTING