SOURCE OF CF-252 FISSION FRAGMENTS

A method is described for producing a source of fission fragments by e lectrolytic deposition of Cf-252 on titanium foil from isobutyl alcoho l. Single deposition affords isolation of 90-95% californium on an are a 5 mm in diameter without cooling the system and mixing the solution, which permits the use of relatively simple equipment. Uniform and suf ficiently strong layers are obtained. The results of the experiments a re well reproducible. As a substrate and a protective coating of the w orking surface of the source, 1.8 mu m thick titanium foil was used. S uch a design of the source protects safely the environment from radioa ctive contamination. The coating and substrate decrease the maximum en ergy of fission fragments by 20-25%.