Energy resolution, yield and radon diffusion in the electrodeposition of radium

Two methods of electrodeposition of 226Ra were investigated in order to study the resulting radium sources energy resolution, yield and 222Rn emanation. High yields and energy resolutions very similar to those obtained in the electrodeposition of actinides were attained with both procedures, a rotatory cathode not being necessary. Deposition of 210Po was observed, its peak in the spectra having a slightly better resolution than those of 226Ra. The observed energy resolutions for 226Ra, 210Po and 222Rn allow some assumptions to be made about the distribution of these radionuclides in the sources, and about the effect of radon diffusion emerging from the cathode. Radon emanation was observed to be occurring in all the sources, from measuring the 222Rn/226Ra activity ratio versus time. The results corresponded to a 222Rn diffusion factor of about 22–23% per day for these electrodeposited 226Ra sources.