CALCULATED (α,n) NEUTRON YIELDS PRODUCED BY SHEETS OF PuO2

The (α,n) yield from uniform layers of 238PuO2 deposited on inert substrates is calculated as a function of layer thickness by Monte Carlo simulation. Contributions from the surrounding air have been included using an especially constructed thick target Air (α,n) yield curve which is presented. The results are of interest in the interpretation of neutron emission measurements made on nuclear waste items with plutonium contaminated surfaces and also as an aid to the quality checking measurements of plutonium reference samples made by electrochemical deposition followed by firing