Hybrid Mass-alpha Spectrometry for High Resolution Spectroscopy

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new spectroscopic method for detecting trace amounts of alpha emitting radionuclides. Traditionally, detecting closely-spaced energetic alpha radiation-emitting isotopes at trace concentrations needing mass spectrometry has taken weeks. On the other hand, the Purdue hybrid technology rapidly and spectroscopically detects alpha radiation with ~100% sensitivity, less than 10 keV resolution, and an accuracy within 5% when evaluated against standards. This technology also maintains its sensitivity to weak alpha radiation in an intense field of gamma-beta radiation; the same apparatus also can be deployed for high-fidelity neutron spectroscopy.

Technology Validation: The Purdue researchers identified the ratio between two plutonium isotopes ranging from 1:0 to 0:1 to an accuracy within 12% and under 10 keV energy resolution.

Advantages

- accurate

- high-energy resolution and sensitivity

- alpha and neutron radiation detection

- 100% background gamma-beta rejection

- rapid (<1 hr)

Applications

- spectroscopic detection of alpha and neutron radiation

TRL: 2

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Alpha radiation, Background rejection, Chemistry and Chemical Analysis, Energy-Safeguards-Security, High sensitivity, High-resolution, Neutron radiation, Radiochemistry, Spectrometry