Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ALPHA SPECTROMETRY
Code PHYS806
Coordinator Professor RD Page
Physics
R.D.Page@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 M Level Whole Session 15

Aims

To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of the identification and measurement of alpha particles using silicon detectors.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Describe the origin of alpha particles and the natural radioactive decay series.

(LO2) Describe the properties of alpha particles and their interaction with materials.

(LO3) The ability to set up and use silicon alpha particle detectors

(LO4) Describe sample preparation techniques.

(LO5) Perform investigative work on an alpha spectrometry system.

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Mathematical skills

(S3) Analytical skills

(S4) ICT / Computational skills

(S5) Investigative skills

(S6) Communication skills

Syllabus
 

The origin of alpha particles; an outline of alpha decay; parent/daughter relationships. The natural decay series. The production of transuranics in reactors and accelerators; the preparation of alpha-emitting standards. The properties of alpha particles and their absorption in solids, liquids and gases. Detectors for measuring the energy of alphas and other heavy particles; ion chambers and silicon detectors. Recoil effects and detector degradation; geometry effects and energy resolution. Measuring the area of alpha peaks. Identification of unknowns. Choice of isotopic standard. Sampling strategy; sample preparation and dissolution; examples of chemical and ion exchange procedures for the separation of Th, U, Pu, Am and other actinides. Methods of source preparation.

Analysis of an alpha spectrometry problem using knowledge gained in this module and supplementary information from the literature. The written report will present the solution to the applied alpha spectrometry p roblem.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1
Description: Lecture

Teaching Method 2
Description: Laboratory Work

Teaching Method 3
Description: Problem-based Learning

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 11

     15

     26
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 124
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :  0    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a  0    50       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.