On the energy resolution of α-sources prepared by electrodeposition of uranium

Using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXF) analysis of electrodeposited α-sources, we show that, after heating to glowing, the deposited material on the metal plates takes the form of very small spheres. Moreover, the average diameter of these spheres is found to depend on the degree of smoothness of the metal-plate surface. In addition, this spherelike material is found to consist not only of uranium but also of platinum, the latter of which originates from the platinum anode used for electrodeposition. Consequently, the energy resolution of α-sources prepared in this way is dependent not only on the physical attributes of the surface of the planchets used, but also on the duration of deposition.