Preparatio of thin sources, a review

Abstract

In nuclear spectroscopy thin, homogeneous and chemically and mechanically stable sources are necessary to prevent spectrum distortion due to self-absorption. Similar source requirements pertain in the metrology of radionuclides that emit low energy radiation. A review is presented of methods and techniques used to obtain thin quantitative sources on both thin plastic and thick metallic backings for counting purposes, followed by a review of those used for the preparation of spectroscopical sources such as vacuum evaporation, electroplating, electrospraying, the use of mass separators, evaporation in a gas steam, etc. The qualities of the sources produced by these various methods are compared insofar as the available data allow. An extensive bibliography is included and catalogued.