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Detection limit improvements forecasted at CTBTO IMS radionuclide stations based on size separation of aerosols by aerodynamic diameter

  • Application of Nuclear Techniques to National Security and Treaty Monitoring
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Abstract

Studies show that aerosols with natural activity have an aerodynamic diameter in the range of 0.1 to 1 μm. In contrast, nuclear explosions generally produce radioactive aerosols with aerodynamic diameters less than 0.1 μm and greater than 1 μm. These differences in aerosol sizes are quite fortuitous because they allow aerosol aerodynamic diameter to be utilized as a physical property to separate aerosols of natural origin from those produced in a nuclear explosion. Data collected in Austin, TX and at U.S. CTBT IMS radionuclide stations have been utilized to forecast detection limit improvements possible given an aerosol size separation capability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station, Austin, TX, 78759, USA

    S. Biegalski, O. A. Ezekoye, J. M. Peña & S. Waye

  2. General Dynamics, AIS, 1400 Key Blvd., Arlington, VA, 22209, USA

    M. Pickering

Authors
  1. S. Biegalski
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  2. O. A. Ezekoye
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  3. M. Pickering
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  4. J. M. Peña
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  5. S. Waye
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Biegalski.

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Biegalski, S., Ezekoye, O.A., Pickering, M. et al. Detection limit improvements forecasted at CTBTO IMS radionuclide stations based on size separation of aerosols by aerodynamic diameter. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 276, 441–445 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-008-0524-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-008-0524-y

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