Preparation and activity measurement of electrodeposited alpha-emitting sources

Alpha-emitting 238Pu and 241Am sources on stainless steel substrates have been prepared using a new electrodeposition method based on an ammonium oxalate–ammonium sulfate electrolyte containing diethyl triamino pentaacetic acid. The deposition yield is determined by measuring the activity of the sources using a high-efficiency 2π α proportional counter and a backscattering chamber designed and fabricated for this purpose. Optimal electrodeposition parameters have been determined for 241Am, enabling manufacture of standard alpha-emitting sources with minimal radioactive waste.