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Updated: Jun 26, 2026
06:24
Preparation of Nanoparticles for ToF-SIMS and XPS Analysis
Published on: September 13, 2020
Development of a rapid source preparation method for high-resolution alpha-particle spectrometry
H Kikunaga1, Y Kasamatsu, K Takamiya
1RIKEN (The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research), Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan. hkiku@chem.sci.osaka-u.ac.jp
Summary
A new coprecipitation method using samarium (Sm) hydroxide allows rapid preparation of short-lived actinide sources for alpha spectrometry. This technique achieves high yields and source uniformity, enabling precise measurements of Californium (Cf) isotopes.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Chemistry
- Radiochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Short-lived actinides require rapid sample preparation for accurate alpha spectrometry.
- Existing methods may lack efficiency or speed for transient isotopes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fast and efficient coprecipitation method for preparing short-lived actinide sources.
- To enable high-resolution alpha-particle spectrometry of these isotopes.
Main Methods:
- Coprecipitation using samarium (Sm) hydroxide.
- Alpha-particle spectrometry.
- Nuclear reaction analysis: (238)U((12)C, xn) reaction.
Main Results:
- The Sm hydroxide coprecipitation method was successfully developed.
- Preparation time is under 5 minutes with over 90% chemical yield.
- Produced sources exhibit high uniformity, yielding alpha spectra resolution better than 20 keV.
- Successfully measured the alpha spectrum of short-lived Californium (Cf) isotopes.
Conclusions:
- The developed Sm hydroxide coprecipitation method is highly effective for preparing short-lived actinide sources.
- This method significantly improves the feasibility of high-resolution alpha spectrometry for transient actinide isotopes.
- Enables detailed study of nuclear reactions producing short-lived actinide isotopes.
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