RAD310 Radiochemistry and analysis of radionuclides

Lectures: Brief repetition of the properties of radioactive nuclides, half-lives, and types of emitted radiation. Counting statistics. Nuclear reactions and neutron activation analysis. Radiochemical equilibria. Sampling, pre-processing and dissolution of samples. Speciation of radionuclides in environmental samples. Required radiochemical separation for different radionuclides. Analysis of gamma-emitting radionuclides using HPGe and NaI(Tl) detectors. Analysis of beta emitting radionuclides by liquid scintillation counting. Analysis of alpha emitting radionuclides using alpha spectrometry. Purity requirements for radiometric measurement methods. Analysis of long-living nuclides using mass spectrometry techniques, using ICP-MS, AMS, &c. Measurement and interpretation of isotope ratios for ‘nuclear forensics’ purposes. Purity requirements for mass-based measurement methods, such as ICP-MS, AMS, &c. Production and use of radionuclides for diagnostics and treatment.

Laboratory exercises: Pre-treatment and analysis of selected environmental samples. Analysis of important gamma-emitting radionuclides using HPGe and NaI(Tl) detectors. Analysis of beta-emitting radionuclides by radiochemical separation and liquid scintillation counting. Analysis of selected alpha-emitting radionuclides using radiochemical separation and alpha-spectrometry. Analysis of plutonium isotopic ratios using ICP-MS. Comparison of complementary methods (gamma spectrometry, alpha spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting and mass spectrometry).

Knowledge: The students should have knowledge of the most important principles for analysis and measurement of gamma-, beta- and alpha-emitting radionuclides, including different radiochemical separation methods. They should know which radionuclides should be analysed in the environment for risk analysis and for ‘nuclear forensics’ needs, as well as some knowledge of the use of radionuclides and radiochemistry in medicine and industry.

Skills: The students should understand the principles and possible sources of error in the analysis of gamma, beta and alpha radiation and know why it is important to have appropriate radiochemical separation strategies. They will be able to use the literature to select the best possible sampling program and analysis program for environmental samples. They will have tested different radiochemical separation methods in the laboratory.

General competence: After completing the course, the students should be able to perform sampling, analyse and report the extent of radionuclides in a given sample, and be able to present the results both orally and in writing. Using case studies and laboratory assignments, students should be able to prepare and present technical and scientific information, both orally and in writing.