SP-503-5 Techniques in Alpha Spectroscopy

Prerequisites: None. Some experience in chemistry is helpful.

Purpose: This course is designed to emphasize the basic aspects of alpha spectrometry for the beginner and to provide a thorough review for the more experienced analyst.

Description:
The field of alpha spectrometry has seen some significant developments in recent years, both in the area of sample preparation as well as new system designs which provide for more efficient counting and analysis. This 5-day course will begin with a review of the basics of alpha spectrometry and then present a detailed overview of some of the most useful innovations for the analyst. Real-world examples will be emphasized throughout and a “hands-on” approach will be used with about 60-70% laboratory sessions. Topics will include:

Course Content:

• Sources and distribution of radioactive contamination of the environment
• Basics of sample preparation for alpha spectrometry
• New approaches to sample preparation
• Use of new types of ion exchange and extraction chromatographic resins
• Use of “Rad Disks” for radionuclide separation
• Source preparation by electrodeposition and filtration techniques
• Prevention of alpha recoil contamination
• Basics of alpha radiation, detectors, sample counting
• Additional methods of alpha particle detection (PEARLS, LSC)
• Recommended QA/QC practices
• Energy and efficiency calibration, background and reagent corrections
• Nuclide activity calculations (calculations for U, Th, Pu, Am analysis)
• Propagation of counting errors, MDA’s

This course has been designed so that students new to alpha spectrometry will benefit from the fundamentals being presented while the more experienced analysts will gain from exposure to a review as well as the presentation of new and developing techniques. 

Lab Sessions:

• Review of Counting Procedures-1 (energy calibration, pulser checks, etc.)
• Review of Counting Procedures-2 (efficiency and geometry considerations)
• Calculation of Theoretical Counting Geometries
• U, Th, and Pu in soil via ion exchange procedures
• Screening Analysis of Actinides in Water via Extraction Chromatography
• Preparation of Counting Sources by Fluoride Microprecipitation/Filtration
• Electrodeposition of Sources and Determination of Electrodeposition Rates
• Separation of U, Am, Pu from Air Filters via Extraction Chromatography
• U-Th Separation via Extraction Chromatography

Course Requirements: Please bring a scientific calculator to class and wear appropriate clothes for lab work.