Application of the new Monte Carlo code AlfaMC to the calibration of alpha-particle sources

Resumen

Measurements of -particle sources require corrections to the counting rate due to scattering and self–absorption in the source and the backing material. In this study, we describe a simple procedure to estimate these corrections using the new Monte Carlo code AlfaMC to consider the effects of scattering and self-absorption conjointly, and so to determine the activity of  emitters. The procedure proposed was applied to 235UO2 sources deposited on highly polished platinum backings. In general, the dependence of the effi ciency with source thick-ness was in good agreement with a simple model considering a linear and a hyperbolic behavior for thin and thick sources, respectively, although signifi cant deviations from this model were found for very thin sources. For these very thin sources, the Monte Carlo simulation revealed to be as a required method in the primary calibration of -particle sources. The effi ciency results obtained by simulation with AlfaMC were in agreement with available effi ciency data.

Alfonso Fernandez Timon

Profesor Titular de Universidad

Alfonso Fernández Timón es Profesor Titular de Universidad y unos de los investigadores seniors del Grupo de Investigación en Algoritmos de Optimización GRAFO de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Anteriormente fue Becario de la Red de Estaciones Metrológicas y del Plan de Vigilancia Radiológica del CSN en la Universidad de Extremadura. Sus lineas de investigación abarcan desde la aplicación de metaheurísticas para resolver problemas de optimización combinatoria hasta la metrología de radiaciones nucleares.