CALCULATED (ALPHA,N) NEUTRON YIELDS PRODUCED BY SHEETS OF PUO2

The (alpha,n) yield from uniform layers of (PuO2)-Pu-238 deposited on inert substrates is calculated as a function of layer thickness by Mon te Carlo simulation. Contributions from the surrounding air have been included using an especially constructed thick target Air (alpha,n) yi eld curve which is presented. The results are of interest in the inter pretation of neutron emission measurements made on nuclear waste items with plutonium contaminated surfaces and also as an aid to the qualit y checking measurements of plutonium reference samples made by electro chemical deposition followed by firing. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.