Improved methods of measurement and analysis of conversion electron and beta-particle spectra

Appl Radiat Isot. 2000 Mar;52(3):387-91. doi: 10.1016/s0969-8043(99)00183-9.

Abstract

A general statistical test of the stability of measurement conditions was demonstrated on the beta-spectra of 241Pu cumulated during four years. The alpha- and gamma-ray spectroscopy indicated stability of the 241Pu source. Monte Carlo modelling of individual collision events clarified the role of electron scattering and energy losses within a radioactive source down to energies of several hundreds of eV. The impact ionization by beta-particles of carbon and oxygen atoms in a surface contamination layer on the 241Pu and 63Ni sources was observed.