title: Desorption of 220Rn progeny from large surfaces by alpha- and beta-recoil processes.
abstract: Transfer (i.e., desorption or detachment) of 220Rn progeny from a substrate (metal disc, filter material, and activated charcoal) to its surroundings has been investigated. The technique, methodology, and materials used differ from the work of others in a number of significant ways. For instance, 220Rn progeny were deposited on substrates by plate-out techniques, and detached 220Rn progeny were measured using a silicon barrier alpha-particle detector as both the host "receiving" surface and the detector for the detached radionuclides. Transfer of 220Rn progeny from the substrates to the detector was observed by alpha- and beta-recoil processes. The latter were demonstrated by using nonadsorbing 220Rn substrates. Other possible mechanisms of 220Rn progeny transfer are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Elliot Lake Laboratory, CANMET, Energy, Mines and Resources Canada, Ontario.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bigu
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D000512:Alpha Particles; D001610:Beta Particles; D001729:Bismuth; D002606:Charcoal; D005898:Glass; D007854:Lead; D008670:Metals; D011059:Polonium; D017687:Radon Daughters
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D017687:Radon Daughters; C009753:fiberglass; D002606:Charcoal; D007854:Lead; D011059:Polonium; D001729:Bismuth