Search for high energy alpha emitters in monazite minerals

Abstract

We have attempted to find evidence for high energy alpha particles from Malaysian, Madagascan and Indian monazite minerals (rare earth and actinide phosphates) which might indicate the presence of naturally occurring superheavy elements in nature. A silicon surface barrier detector was used to detect alpha particles in conjunction with a cosmic-ray anti-coincidence detector. The results are consistent with no alphas above 12.5 MeV. This agrees with results of Fireman and Brandt 1978 but does not agree with results of Chevalier et al. 1978.