Investigation of gamma- and X-radiation of "hot particles" from the zones of the Chernobyl accident and atomic explosions

A nondestructive technique for investigating "hot particles" produced as a result of atomic explosions and accidents at nuclear power plants is descri bed. The technique is based on measurements of characteristic-radiation spe ctra of alpha-emitting nuclides. It was used to study the low-energy region s of gamma-spectra of "hot particles" from the 5-km zone of the Chernobyl N uclear Power Plant and the Semipalatinsk Test Range, and its effectiveness was shown. For the first time, the characteristic radiation of An was detec ted, and the L-x-radiation yields for U, Np, and Am in "hot particles" were determined.