Beta/Alpha Ratios

[Harold.Reynolds@rfets.gov (Harold Reynolds)]

     Be cautious in using beta/alpha ratio and decay when looking for TRU 
     in the presence of ambient radon/radon progeny levels.  These work 
     well in a power plant environment when the isotopes of concern are 
     beta emitters with relatively high DACs. However, when looking for TRU 
     with a DAC level orders of magnitude lower than ambient radon/radon 
     progeny levels, I think their alpha contribution will be lost in 
     statistical error in beta/alpha ratios.  This is also true for decay 
     counts for the first several hours. 
     
     Harry Reynolds
     
     Harold.Reynolds@RFETS.gov
     303-966-2708