Award Date

1-1-2007

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences

First Committee Member

Ralf Sudowe

Number of Pages

88

Abstract

There are currently several widely accepted methods of sample preparation procedures for alpha spectroscopy. Alpha spectroscopy is becoming more important due to increased concentration on nuclear waste management, site decontamination and decommissioning, and environmental assessment. Due to increased emphasis on emergency response and preparedness, there is a strong desire to make the analysis of samples as quick and efficient as possible. Three methods evaluated in this project are electrodeposition, microprecipitation, and evaporation. Actinides are the main elements of concern, namely a tracer of241Am is used. Each method is itself optimized and evaluated quantitatively, and then the methods are compared against one another. Parameters such as energy resolution, sample yield and preparation time are evaluated to determine the most productive method for each scenario for preparing samples for alpha spectroscopy. Microprecipitation is the recommended due to the high yields produced and consistency of the results.

Keywords

Alpha; Comparison; Level; Low; Methods; Preparation; Quantitative; Samples; Spectrometry

Controlled Subject

Radiation chemistry; Industrial safety

File Format

pdf

File Size

2600.96 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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