Module timetable
7-11 October 2024
Module overview
Credits
This module is worth 15 credits.
| Module structure | Hours of study |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 11 hours |
| Practicals | 15 hours |
| Tutorials/discussions | 5 hours |
| Private study | 45 hours |
| Post-course assignment | 75 hours |
Topics
The origin of alpha particles; an outline of alpha decay; parent/daughter relationships. The natural decay series. The production of transuranics in reactors and accelerators; the preparation of alpha-emitting standards.
The properties of alpha particles and their absorption in solids, liquids and gases. Detectors for measuring the energy of alphas and other heavy particles; ion chambers and silicon detectors. Recoil effects and detector degradation; geometry effects and energy resolution. Measuring the area of alpha peaks. Identification of unknowns. Choice of isotopic standard.
Sampling strategy; sample preparation and dissolution; examples of chemical and ion exchange procedures for the separation of Th, U, Pu, Am, and other actinides. Methods of source preparation.
Module leader
Professor Robert Page.
Contact
Email: R.D.Page@liverpool.ac.uk.
Back to: Department of Physics