ECCO - Samples taped to radiographic plates

in #science7 years ago

We want to see if any of the fuel or ash emits high energy photons.

As said in a previous blog post, the original plan was to tape the freshest ECCO samples we have had to date to some unexposed 10x8" negatives to see if they are emitting any high energy photons. They arrived on Thursday 29th June 2017, so we took the opportunity to extend our slot on the SEM/EDX to try to get a look at some of them.

On Friday 30th June 2017 we had a look to see if any of them had magnetic properties. After this, they were taped to the large format camera negative holder plates that contain 2 high sensitivity 400 ASA negatives, on just under a thin polymer shutter, and the other behind over 1 mm of aluminium.

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Figure 1: ECCO Samples including fuel and ash placed on 8x10" large format negative

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Figure 2: ECCO Samples including fuel and ash placed on 8x10" large format negative

How long to leave them?

How long do you think we should leave them on the plates exposing them? One might suggest that we leave them until we can next get a session on the SEM/EDX to maximise the accumulation time. What do you suggest?

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Bob, if you want decent detection efficiency of that photo film, especially if the integration time is long (hours), it is best to cool the film because thermal effects will erase the latent image. Place the whole assembly in a refrigerator.

Hi Renevega, good tip. Well - they have been strapped on most of the weekend and intention was to keep them there until they can be developed. I am not sure if it is a good idea to have them in the house/fridge if they are emitting high energy photons.

Why not use spectrometer to detect? Immediately know if there is any radiation. Thank you

Don't have one in this location, will see if one of the universities do that we can gain access to.