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 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 7.5

Aims

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


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge of the origin of alpha particle and the natural decay series

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

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

(LO4) Awareness of sample preparation techniques

(S1) Problem solving 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.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

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

    15

    26
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 49
TOTAL HOURS 75

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) :  1 hour    33       
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      67       

Recommended Texts

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