Study of the alpha energies of Ra-226 with MCA
An alpha-spectrometer, consisting of a silicon surface barrier layer detector, a preamplifier, a pulse height analyser and a recording device for registration of the spectra is calibrated by means of an open alpha-emitter of known alpha-energy (241Am). The energy spectrum of a radium source which is in equilibrium with its decay products, is recorded and evaluated. The alpha-energies found in this way are allocated to the corresponding nuclides of the radium decay series.
Diaphragm pump, two stage, 220V
Alpha and Photodetector
Pre-amplifierfor alpha detector
Container for nuclear physics exp.
PHYWE Multichannel Analyser (MCA)
measure Software multi channel analyser
Vacuum gauge DVR 2 pro, 1 … 1000
Vacuum tube, NBR, 6/14mm, 1 m
Pinchcock, width 20 mm
Tubing connector,Y-shape, ID 8-9mm
Screened cable, BNC, l = 750 mm
Radioactive source Ra-226, max. 4 kBq
Radioactive source Am-241, 3.7 kBq
- The alpha-spectrum of the 226Ra is recorded, the settings of the pulse analyzer (amplification) and recorder (x and y input sensitivity) being selected so as to make best possible use of the recording width.
- The calibration spectrum of the open 241Am-emitter is recorded at the same settings.
- The alpha-energies corresponding to the individual peaks of the alpha spectrum of the radium are calculated and, on the assumption of a constant energy loss in the source covering, the alpha-active nuclides of the radium decay series corresponding to the individual peaks are determined on the basis of the values in the literature.
- Decay series
- Radioactive equilibrium
- Isotopic properties
- Decay energy
- Particle energy
- Potential well model of the atomic nucleus
- Tunnel effect
- Geiger-Nuttal law
- Semiconductor
- Barrier layer