[ RadSafe ] Californium vs. Americium

[Syd H. Levine]

Aside from half-life considerations, what are the technical issues with 
using Californium in place of Americium in Be based neutron sources (for 
well logging)?  Are the neutrons of the same energy?

My understaning is the half-life is 2.64 years and that the well logging 
sources are made up with about 30 Ci initially so that you wind up with 
around 15 Ci at the end of that time period.  I am guessing one might be 
able to log with them for five years maybe, then they could still be used 
for tools that only need 3 Ci or so for awhile?

TIA

Syd H. Levine
AnaLog Services, Inc.
Phone:  (270) 276-5671
Telefax:  (270) 276-5588
E-mail:  analog at logwell.com
Web URL:  www.logwell.com