Preparation of alpha sources using magnetohydrodynamic electrodeposition for radionuclide metrology

Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited layers as alpha sources for alpha-particle spectrometry

“…The source should be prepared as an infinite thin theoretically, however its thickness is < 10 µm in Fig. 10 Various factors from the electrodeposited alpha-source film, influencing the quality of alpha spectra practice [18]. Martina and Hancock demonstrated that the source thickness influenced on peak FWHM and tailing of alpha spectra using U-isotopes electrodeposited sources with thickness of ca.…”

“…Various methods for the preparation of the alpha-radioactive sources have been known such as electrodeposition [11], direct evaporation [12], vacuum sublimation [13], electrostatic deposition [14], spontaneous deposition [15], micro-precipitation [16], drying of a liquid drop on a substrate [17], etc. Among these techniques, electrodeposition is the most widely used technique to prepare the alpha-radioactive source owing to the advantages of high quality of prepared source, high deposition yield of nuclides, and an inexpensive and simple equipment [18].…”

Investigation of key factors in preparation of alpha sources by electrodeposition

“…Optimization of the electrodeposition method usually focuses on the usage of different aqueous and/or organic electrolyte solutions (Hallstadius, 1984;Ingelbrecht et al, 1997;Jobbágy et al, 2013;Kressin, 1977;Lee and Lee, 2000;Puphal and Olsen, 1972;Talvitie, 1972;Torrico et al, 2015) or on the improvements made on the system itself (e.g. the usage of rotating disc cathodes (Tsoupko-Sitnikov et al, 2000), semipermeable membranes to prevent platinum precipitation (Ferrero Calabuig et al, 1998), introduction of external equipment to improve the stirring of the electrolyte solution in a conventional electrodeposition cell (Jobbágy et al, 2013;Panta et al, 2010)). All the parameters that influence the electrodeposition yield and the source quality (chemical composition of the electrolyte solution, applied current/voltage, electrodeposition time, pH of the electrolytic solution, distance between the electrodes, electrolyte volume) need to be adjusted whenever such modifications are made.…”