Evolution of chemical species during electrodeposition of uranium for alpha spectrometry by the Hallstadius method

Preparation and measurement of a sandwiched Sn atomic beam source for laser resonance ionization mass spectrometry

Isotope analysis of Sn plays a crucial role in geochemical studies and in monitoring nuclear contamination. Nevertheless, prevalent analytical techniques for examining Sn isotopes encounter the issue of isobaric interference, markedly impacting the accuracy of the test results. Laser resonance ionization mass spectrometry (LRIMS) can effectively overcome the difficulties associated with the isobaric interference inherent in commercial mass spectrometry. In this paper, different amounts of Sn were prepared on Re filaments by electrodeposition and tested via LRIMS. The results showed that the average detection efficiency of LRIMS decreased with increasing total Sn content from 1 μg to 4 μg, and the fluctuations in the test results among the samples increased significantly. Therefore, the electrodeposition process, as well as the composition and morphology of the deposits were characterized by SEM, EDS and XPS; results showed that the degradation of the samples with increasing Sn content was attributed to the complexity of the composition, micro-structure, valence of the deposits, and the interference of various elements. To cope with the anomalies encountered above, the deposits were heat-treated at 600 °C in a hydrogen atmosphere to eliminate detrimental impurities, like Cl, and Sn was effectively reduced to an almost singular atomic state. Furthermore, a titanium layer was covered on the surface of the heat-treated deposit by magnetron sputtering. Ultimately, a highly efficient and stable Sn atomic beam source with a sandwiched structure has been successfully developed and exhibits broad application prospect.

Validation of electrodeposited 241Am alpha-particle sources for use in liquified gas detectors at cryogenic temperatures

This paper describes a procedure for the validation of alpha-particle sources (exempt unsealed sources) to be used in experimental setups with liquefied gases at cryogenic temperatures (down to -196 °C) and high vacuum. These setups are of interest for the development and characterization of neutrino and dark matter detectors based on liquid argon, among others. Due to the high purity requirements, the sources have to withstand high vacuum and cryogenic temperatures for extended periods. The validation procedure has been applied to 241Am sources produced by electrodeposition.

Electrodeposition and characterization of Sn on Re filaments for laser resonance ionization mass spectrometry

The isotopic analysis of Sn is crucial for geochemical research and surveillance of nuclear contamination. However, commonly used methods face the challenge of isobaric interference. Laser resonance ionization mass spectrometry (LRIMS) is a promising technology for effectively eliminating the isobaric interference effect as it combines the advantages of both resonance ionization and mass spectrometry technologies. In this study, an atomic source of 1 μg Sn was prepared by electrodeposition on a Re filament in a 1–5 × 0.7 mm spot for LRIMS measurement. The effects of voltage, duration, length of the active area, and Pb content on the deposition yield were studied, and the morphology, composition, and valence of the Sn deposits were examined. A maximum yield of over 90% in a 3 × 0.7 mm spot was achieved through the surface modification of Re filaments and optimisation of the electrodeposition parameters. As the Sn⁰ atomic state was predominant in the deposit, the average detection efficiency of the LRIMS device using the as-deposited Sn samples was approximately 3.63 × 10⁻⁴, which was almost an order of magnitude higher than that of the sample dropped with graphene oxide solution (4.39 × 10⁻⁵).

An atomic source of 1 μg Sn was prepared by electrodeposition on 3 × 0.7 mm Re filament for LRIMS test. The average detection efficiency was almost 10 times higher than that after dropping the sample with graphene oxide.

Investigation of key factors in preparation of alpha sources by electrodeposition

The electrodeposition for alpha source preparation, using several electrolyte solution-cathode material combinations, is investigated and evaluated. The investigated factors focused on the electrodeposition time, the applied current, electrolyte volume and anode-cathode distances for the conventional electrodeposition cell (with no external stirring or cooling system). The conditions (temperature and the solution pH) during the electrodeposition process were also studied and discussed. The optimized parameters for each system are provided, and evaluated for the usage in determination of actinides (uranium, plutonium, americium and curium radioisotopes) in various samples.

Evaluation of several electrolyte mixture-cathode material combinations in electrodeposition of americium radioisotopes for alpha-spectrometric measurements

Three different types of electrolytes, subsequently modified and adjusted, in combination with three cathode materials used as source backings were analysed for electrodeposition of americium isotopes for alpha-spectrometric measurements. The obtained results are discussed in terms of electrodeposition yield and source quality (source homogeneity and spectral resolution, FWHM). The optimal conditions for source preparation are provided.

Evaluation of the suitability of neural network method for prediction of uranium activity ratio in environmental alpha spectra

Applying Artificial Neural Network to an alpha spectrometry system is a good idea to discriminate the composition of environmental and non-environmental materials by the estimation of the (234)U/(238)U activity ratio. Because it eliminates limitations of classical approaches by the extraction the desired information from the average of a partial uranium raw spectrum. The network was trained by an alpha spectrum library which was developed in this work. The results indicated that there was a small difference between the target values and the predictions. These results were acceptable, because the thickness of samples and the inferring elements were different in the real library.

A review of electrodeposition methods for the preparation of alpha-radiation sources

This paper addresses an approach to the theory and practice of electrodeposition processes of alpha-emitting nuclides. Some of the main contributions made to this field are reviewed, including the rotating disk electrode technique. Also, several interpretations concerning the electrodeposition process as well as a number of practical recommendations are included in the study.