Instrumentation in Applied Nuclear Chemistry

This book attempts to build a bridge between two sciences: chemistry and electronics. The inside of the black boxes the nuclear chemist uses daily is explained in simple electronic terms. Knowledge of the inside not only satisfies curiosity but helps one "get the most out of the available equipment." Likewise, this book tries to give sufficient understanding for not "over buying," that is to say, for buying the equipment which just serves the purpose, instead of buying the best so at least it will serve the purpose. The first three chapters give a concise understanding of what the area of applied nuclear chemistry is concerned with and what kind of equipment is generally used. Chapter 1 gives a theoretical background, while Chapter 3 deals with the practical implementations. Thus, these chapters provide the background to determine what one can expect from the experiments. The remainder of the book is devoted to the practical instrumentation of the experiments. Each chapter deals with specific types of instruments and devices, discusses briefly the electronics involved, considers the limitations, and investigates how and to what extent they can be circumvented. The advantage of having different contributors, each with his own practical experience, shows clearly in this latter aspect. Detailed practical knowledge and experience can be explained best by the person who has long been con cerned with the subject theoretically and practically.

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1 Basic Theory of Nuclear Processes.- 1.1. Introduction.- 1.2. Atoms and Nuclei.- 1.3. Nuclear Models.- 1.4. Radiation.- 1.5. Nuclear Reactions and Radioactivity.- 1.6. Interaction of Radiation with Matter.- 1.7. References.- 2 Systems and Their Use.- 2.1. Introduction.- 2.2. Detectors.- 2.3. Instrumentation.- 2.4. References.- 3 Applications.- 3.1. Introduction.- 3.2. Neutron Activation Analysis.- 3.3. Fluorescence Analysis.- 3.4. Mössbauer Effect.- 3.5. Tracers and Labeling of Molecules.- 3.6. Radiodating techniques.- 3.7. Absolute Activity.- 3.8. Hot Atom Chemistry.- 3.9. Radiation Chemistry.- 3.10. Half-Life Measurement.- 3.11. References.- 4 Detectors.- 4.1. Introduction.- 4.2. Detector Physics in General.- 4.3. Gas-Filled Radiation Detectors.- 4.4. Scintillation Detectors.- 4.5. Semiconductor Detectors.- 4.6. Spectrum Interpretation.- 4.7. Background.- 4.8. References.- 5 NIM Standard.- 5.1. Introduction.- 5.2. Need for a Standard Modular System.- 5.3. History of Development.- 5.4. Advantages.- 5.5. Description.- 5.6. Power Supplies.- 5.7. Typical NIM Instruments.- 5.8. Nonnuclear NIM Instrumentation.- 5.9. CAMAC.- 5.10. Future of NIM.- 5.11. References and Notes.- 6 Preamplifiers.- 6.1. Introduction.- 6.2. Signal Sources in Nuclear Electronics.- 6.3. Basic Types of Preamplifiers.- 6.4. Coupling the Preamplifier with the Detector and Other Equipment.- 6.5. Noise.- 6.6. Considerations in Choosing a Preamplifier.- 6.7. References and Notes.- 7 Amplifiers.- 7.1. Introduction.- 7.2. Feedback Loops.- 7.3. Biased Amplifiers.- 7.4. Shaping.- 7.5. Timing.- 7.6. High Count Rates.- 7.7. Causes and Remedies of Poor Resolution.- 7.8. Specifications and Features.- 7.9. References and Notes.- 8 Single-Channel Analysers.- 8.1. Introduction.- 8.2. Components andCharacteristics.- 8.3. Single-Channel Analyzer Applications.- 8.4. Selecting a Single-Channel Analyzer for Your Application.- 8.5. Typical Applications of Single-Channel Analyzers.- 8.6. References.- 9 Multichannel Analyzers.- 9.1. Introduction.- 9.2. Applications.- 9.3. Hardware Organization.- 9.4. Characteristics.- 9.5. Conclusion and Future.- 9.6. References.- 10 Statistics.- 10.1. Need for Statistical Considerations.- 10.2. Basics.- 10.3. Variables.- 10.4. Conditions.- 10.5. Formulas for Standard Deviation, Detection limit, and Figure of Merit.- 10.6. Use of Formulas.- 10.7. References and Notes.- 11 Timing Circuits.- 11.1. Introduction.- 11.2. Timing Circuits.- 11.3. Applications of Timing Circuits.- 11.4. References and Notes.- 12 Use of Computers.- 12.1. Introduction.- 12.2. The Computer Interface.- 12.3. Equipment Calibration.- 12.4. Data Acquisition.- 12.5. Experiment Control and Monitoring.- 12.6. Computer-Based Multichannel Analyzers.- 12.7. Data Reduction.- 12.8. Data Analysis.- 12.9. References.