Neutron, alpha, and special sources from polonium

Technical Report · Fri Jun 11 04:00:00 EDT 1954

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/934663· OSTI ID:934663

Richmond, J L

Polonium-210 (138, 4-day half life, 5.30 Mev alpha) neutron, alpha, and special sources are made at Mound Laboratory for Atomic Energy Commission contractors and can now be furnished for other organizations. The high specific activity, hence negligible self-absorption of alphas, and the low gamma emission (1 gamma/100,000 alpha) make polonium attractive for use in such sources. Neutron sources are usually made from beryllium, boron, or mock-fission powder. The neutron yield of a polonium-beryllium source is about 2.5 x 10/sup 6/ n/sec/curie; the yield with other target materials is much less. Sources are furnished in nickel-sealed metal cylinders 1/8 to 1-1/8 inches in diameter by 1/4 to 2-1/2 inches in length. Beryllium sources can be used at temperatures as high as 800 deg. C by placing the source in a second, welded container. Practical size limits for sources are 5 x 10/sup 8/ for boron, and 2 x 10/sup 7/ for mock fission. Alpha sources are made by depositing polonium on a metal backing which may be uncovered or covered with mica, stainless steel, gold, or tantalum. Alpha sources can be furnished with amounts of polonium ranging from a few micromicrocuries to several curies. Special heat sources can also be furnished. The specific needs of the user in regard to physical configuration, specific activity, and similar details of construction for any source using polonium can generally be met.

• Research Organization: Mound Laboratory (MOUND), Miamisburg, OH (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE - Office of Defense Programs (DP)
• OSTI ID: 934663
• Report Number(s): MLM--980
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS
alpha sources
beryllium
boron
neutron sources
polonium-210