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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
10:42
Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
Published on: May 3, 2019
The German thoron progeny chamber--concept and application.
Annette Röttger1, Anja Honig, Dirk Arnold
1Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Bundesallee 100, D-38116 Braunschweig, Germany. Annette.roettger@ptb.de
Summary
A new thoron progeny chamber allows calibration of radon (Rn) and thoron (Tn) measuring devices under diverse conditions. This ensures accurate measurements for radiation protection and environmental monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Radiological Sciences
- Metrology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Accurate calibration of radon (Rn) and thoron (Tn) decay product measuring devices is crucial for radiation protection.
- Previous calibration methods were limited by ambient condition control.
- The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) completed a project on reference atmospheres for thoron decay products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a thoron progeny chamber for calibrating Rn and Tn measuring systems.
- To provide reference atmospheres for thoron decay products under various ambient conditions.
- To enable calibration of measuring devices with high accuracy under realistic conditions.
Main Methods:
- Operation of a dedicated thoron progeny chamber.
- Generation and characterization of reference atmospheres for thoron decay products.
- Controlled manipulation of ambient conditions within the chamber.
Main Results:
- The PTB now operates a thoron progeny chamber capable of producing thoron ((220)Rn) and radon ((222)Rn) with their progenies.
- The chamber can simulate a wide range of ambient conditions.
- This facilitates calibration of measuring systems under realistic environmental parameters.
Conclusions:
- The new thoron progeny chamber enables calibration of thoron decay product measuring devices with unique worldwide accuracy.
- It supports accurate radiation monitoring and environmental assessments.
- This facility advances the metrology of radioactive noble gases and their progeny.
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