RE: Alpha sources

[Leo Bobek <bobek@wpi.edu>]

On Thu, 8 Sep 1994, John DeLaHunt wrote:

> And, on that subject, can someone out there suggest a good alpha soucre,
> that is durable (t1/2 > 140 days), that doesn't have attendannt daughter
> gammas, and may be considered an exempt quantity?
> 
> 
> Any ideas?

Am-241 should suffice.  There are some low energy and very low yield Np 
x-rays.  Although I am sure there is some inane regulation against 
it, purchase a home smoke detector and remove the source (< 1 
micro-curie) or purchase a "button" source for a few $100.

Best Regards

L. Bobek
WPI