Fall 2015: Lecture 8 Isotope Production

This lecture introduces the methods and means for isotope production. Accelerators are described and compared. Attention is given to the development of accelerators over time. The use of electron accelerators for synchrotrons is covered. Spectroscopic methods useful for speciation and coordination chemistry are provided, with an example for uranium. Neutron generation is discussed. Details on fission are given, including symmetric, asymmetric, and spallation sources. The lecture is 30 minutes in length. 

Fall 2015: RDCH 702 Lecture 7 Radiation Interaction

This lecture covers interaction of radiation with matter.  Emphasis is placed on dosimetry and hot atom chemistry. Resulting chemical reactions and effects are highlighted. Dosimetry is introduced and explored. Units of dosimetry are described. Dosimetry measurements are discussed and quality factors based on particle mass and charge are introduced. Introductory dose calculations are supplied. Radiation protection regulations and the definition of terms (ALI, DAC) are given, including levels for use in the UNLV Radiochemistry laboratories. A review of hot atom chemistry is given. The lecture is 42 minutes.

Fall 2015: RDCH 702 Quiz 3 Electron orbitals, nuclear models, and decay kinetics

Quiz 3 covers Lecture 4 Electron orbitals and Energetics, Lecture 5 Nuclear Models, and Lecture 6 Decay Kinetics.  The quiz is assigned 14 October 15 and due 21 October 15. Use the lecture notes, chart of the nuclides, table of the isotopes, and web links to answer the questions.

Fall 2015: RDCH 702 Lecture 6 Decay Kinetics

This lecture covers the fundamental equations that describe the decay of radionuclides; covered in two parts. Basic equations and their utility are presented. The implications on error from counting is provided.  Equations for mixtures, equilibrium, and branching of radionuclides are covered.  The use of a program to solve the Bateman equation is presented. The use of cross sections in determining production rates are covered. Saturation in isotope production due to the decay of the daughter is described. Discussion of natural radiation and dating are given. Examples are provided using the equations under a host of conditions. These include examples for dating from ²³⁸U, ¹⁴C, and the Oklo reactor. Lecture 1 is 44 minutes, lecture 2 is 31 minutes.  The PDF quiz is due 12 October 2015.