Study of inhomogeneities in sources prepared for α-particle spectrometry using scanning probe microscopy

For high-resolution α-particle spectrometry, sources of high quality must be prepared by methods giving the thinnest and most homogeneous deposit possible on a suitable support. Surface characteristics of several types of α-particle sources were studied using a scanning probe microscope. Major inhomogeneities were observed, which means that the materials and techniques used for the preparation of sources must be improved.