Self-triggered intensified CCD for high resolution α autoradiography (αSTIC): A quantitative and identificative approach

A new approach is presented for high resolution, quantitative and real time autoradiography relevant to the determination of the biodistribution of incorporated alpha emitters. The present self-triggered intensified CCD device for α detection (αSTIC) is well suited for low activity samples (down to 4 × 10−7 Bq mm−2 and was developed in order to measure the microlocalisation of α emitters in tissue samples. A complete characterisation of its performance for α autoradiography was realised and a particular effort was made to evaluate the ability of the new device for quantitative analysis and discrimination of different α emitters present in the sample. The imaging performances of the αSTIC are illustrated with examples of bone samples contaminated with actinides.