Abstract: Methods for electropolishing and coating aluminum on a surface of an air and/or moisture sensitive substrate, including: in a vessel, submerging the substrate in a first molten salt bath and applying an anodizing current to the substrate at a first temperature to electropolish the surface of the substrate; wherein the first molten salt bath includes one of a first organic salt bath and first inorganic salt bath; wherein, when used, the first organic salt bath includes one of (a) aluminum halide and ionic liquid, (b) a combination of an aluminum halide and halogenatedmethylphenylsulfone (C6(H5-y,Xy)SO2CX3, where y is a number from 0-5), (c) a combination of an aluminum halide, an ionic liquid, and halogenatedmethylphenylsulfone (C6(H5-y,Xy)SO2CX3), and (d) AlF3-organofluoride-hydrofluoric acid adduct; wherein, when used, the first inorganic salt bath includes aluminum halide and alkali metal halide; and wherein the anodizing current is 10-30 mA/cm2.

Abstract: A process for the printing of enamel on a constituent glass sheet of a laminated glazing which can be used in the motor vehicle field and including a stack of thin functional layers sensitive to scratchability. The process makes it possible to deposit an enamel layer on a glass sheet coated with a stack of thin layers.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel pellet with a porous substrate, such as a carbon or tungsten aerogel, on which at least one layer of a fuel containing material is deposited via atomic layer deposition, and wherein the layer deposition is controlled to prevent agglomeration of defects. Further, a method of fabricating a nuclear fuel pellet, wherein the method features the steps of selecting a porous substrate, depositing at least one layer of a fuel containing material, and terminating the deposition when the desired porosity is achieved. Also provided is a nuclear reactor fuel cladding made of a porous substrate, such as silicon carbide aerogel or silicon carbide cloth, upon which layers of silicon carbide are deposited.

Abstract: Nonconjugated conductive polymers absorb radioactive iodine, therefore are useful for protection against nuclear radiation. These polymers have at least one double bond per repeat unit. The ratio of the number of double bonds to the total number of bonds along the polymer chain is less than half. Examples of nonconjugated conductive polymers include: cis-1,4-polyisoprene (natural rubber), trans-1,4-polyisoprene (gutta percha), polybutadiene, polydimethyl butadiene, poly(b-pinene), styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), polyalloocimene, polynorbornene and many others. Through interaction with iodine atoms the double bonds in the nonconjugated polymers transform into radical cations leading to a dark color. The iodine atoms remain (immobile) bound to the polymer chain through the charge-transfer interaction, these polymers are very inexpensive and can be easily processed into any shape, structure and size. Therefore, these are useful for protection against nuclear radiation including radioactive iodine.

Abstract: Provided are a nuclear fuel rod for fast reactors that includes a metallic fuel slug coated with a protective coating layer and a fabrication method thereof. The nuclear fuel rod for fast reactors that includes a surface treated metallic fuel slug and a cladding tube according to the present invention has an excellent effect of stabilizing components of the metallic fuel slug and fission products or impurities, because the interdiffusion between the metallic fuel slug and the cladding tube does not occur. Also, since the uniform coating on the surface of the metallic fuel slug may be facilitated and fabrication costs may be significantly reduced in comparison to a typical technique of using a functional material for preventing the interdiffusion at an inner surface of the cladding tube, it may be suitable for fabricating the nuclear fuel rod for fast reactors.

Abstract: A flexible laminate composition and methods for manufacturing same are provided. The flexible laminate composition includes one or more discrete and separate layers of a radiopaque material wherein the radiopaque layer is applied via a solvent to a layer that is composed of a plastic material. The laminate composition can be formed into a radiopaque marker band that can be used with a medical device, such as a catheter, for radiographic imaging. The laminate composition as an alternative can also be utilized to form the catheter or other suitable medical device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for producing a radium target for the production of radionuclides by means of accelerated protons, whereby at least one radium containing material out of an aqueous-organic solution or suspension of such a material is applied by means of a dispersing device on a surface in such a way that the dispersing device and the surface are moving relatively towards each other and that the solvent is removed substantially spontaneously. Further, the invention refers to a radium target that is created in such a way that it may exhibit an activity of up to 1.5 curie. The radium targets according to the present invention serve for the production of the radionuclide 225Ac, which may be used in nuclear medicine in the treatment of cancer, particularly in form of its daughter nuclide 213Bi.

Abstract: Method and/or system for forming a radiation flood source. The radiation flood source includes a paper sheet, a pigmentless radioactive fill printed on the paper sheet, and a pigmented border printed on the paper sheet and around the pigmentless radioactive fill. In one embodiment the radiation flood source is formed by preparing a radioactive isotope carrier solution; loading the radioactive isotope carrier solution into a radioactive isotope carrier solution cartridge; loading a separate border cartridge into a plotter; selecting and configuring a shape of an active area; setting a border to be placed around the active area; printing the active area by utilizing the radioactive isotope carrier solution cartridge on a sheet substrate; and printing the border by utilizing the separate border cartridge on the sheet substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a cancer therapeutic and imaging agent comprising a solution containing Gum Arabic coated 198Au nanoparticles. The Gum Arabic coated 198Au nanoparticles have been demonstrated experimentally shown to have a surprising efficacy for a single dose direct injection, reducing tumors in analog mice by 82% over a short period of time. The particles of the invention have a believed optimal size for therapy and imaging applications, and can be used as a theranostic agent in the treatment of needle accessible cancers. The invention also provides a method for forming Gum Arabic coated 198Au nanoparticles. A gold foil is irradiated to produce 198Au foil. The foil is dissolved to form radioactive gold salt. The salt is dried, and then reconstituted to form a 198Au nanoparticle precursor. The precursor is reduced with a reducing agent in an aqueous solution including Gum Arabic to form Gum Arabic coated 198Au nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method of producing a silica coating by forming a silica precursor formulation that is coated on a substrate as a continuous liquid phase. The silica precursor formulation is then cured in an ammoniacal atmosphere to produce a continuous, interconnected, nano-porous silica network.

Abstract: A method of forming a corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coating comprising the steps of spray or deposition or sputtering or welding processing to form a composite material made of a spray or deposition or sputtering or welding material, and a neutron absorbing material. Also a corrosion resistant neutron absorbing coating comprising a composite material made of a spray or deposition or sputtering or welding material, and a neutron absorbing material.

Abstract: A method for applying a burnable poison onto the cladding of a nuclear fuel rod (2) which comprises, providing a nuclear fuel rod (2) and at least one application device (8), rotating the nuclear fuel rod, optionally removing one or more oxides and/or surface deposits on the outer surface of the nuclear fuel rod (2) by spraying an abrasive material onto the nuclear fuel rod via the application device (8) while adjusting the position of the application device in relation to the nuclear fuel rod (2), and applying burnable poison particles (33) onto the outer surface (6) of the nuclear fuel rod (2) by spraying the burnable poison onto the nuclear fuel rod via the application device while adjusting the position of the application device (8) in relation to the nuclear fuel rod, where the burnable poison particles are applied at a velocity sufficient to cause adhesion to the outer surface (6) of the cladding.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing porous nuclear fuel elements for use in advanced high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors (HTGR's). Advanced uranium bi-carbide, uranium tri-carbide and uranium carbonitride nuclear fuels can be used. These fuels have high melting temperatures, high thermal conductivity, and high resistance to erosion by hot hydrogen gas. Tri-carbide fuels, such as (U,Zr,Nb)C, can be fabricated using chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) to simultaneously deposit each of the three separate carbides, e.g., UC, ZrC, and NbC in a single CVI step. By using CVI, a thin coating of nuclear fuel may be deposited inside of a highly porous skeletal structure made, for example, of reticulated vitreous carbon foam.

Abstract: A nuclear fuel and a method to produce a nuclear fuel wherein a porous uranium dioxide arrangement is provided, the arrangement is infiltrated with a precursor liquid and the arrangement is thermally treated such the porous uranium dioxide arrangement is infiltrated with a precursor liquid, followed by a thermal treating of the porous uranium dioxide arrangement with the infiltrated precursor liquid such that the precursor liquid is converted to a second phase.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to radiation sources that mimic radiation environment(s) encountered by packaged semiconductor devices. The sources are suitable for use in test systems operative to test for soft error and/or failure rates in devices sensitive to such radiation. The radiation is highly active to exacerbate soft error rates and thereby accelerate testing and reduce test times. The sources are also relatively uniformly distributed within a medium to simulate the direction(s) and energy spectra of radiation that would actually be encountered by semiconductor devices in device operation.

Abstract: A radio-conductive material which exhibits conductivity upon exposure to radiations is formed of alcohol-soluble nylon and inorganic material having radiation absorbing power.

Abstract: An adhesive containing a far infrared radiation ceramic powder emitting far infrared rays and a radiation source ceramic powder emitting radiations and anions. The radiation source ceramic powder includes silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, iron oxide, titanium oxide, calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, potassium oxide, sodium oxide and zirconium and/or radium. The adhesive according to the present invention relaxes human beings, helps spontaneous recovery from diseases and improves health by the synergistic effects of far infrared rays, anions and radiations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to radiation sources and a method for producing radiation sources. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to radiation sources that can be used to calibrate nuclear imaging equipment, such as flood sources. According to embodiments of the invention, the radiation source includes a outer housing that contains a substrate upon which a radioactive pattern is deposited. The radioactive deposit may be placed on the surface of the substrate in the form of a deposited solution and may be fixed to the surface of the substrate by, for example, a binding agent and/or a sealing layer. The deposited solution may also include a colorant to visually indicate the activity distribution of the radioactive deposit.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of forming a thin film on a substrate arranged in a deposition system comprising the step of introducing a pre-determined amount of an impurity in a confined volume in the deposition system. One or more gases are introduced into the deposition system for forming the thin film. The impurity is removed from the confined volume in a gas phase during formation of the thin film. The impurity in the gas phase is incorporated into the thin film.

Abstract: System and method for coating a medical appliance is provided. In accord with one embodiment, a system for applying a coating to a medical appliance having accessible patterned surfaces is provided. The system may include: a processor, an appliance support, and a solenoid type fluid dispensing head having an electromagnetically controlled valve. In the system, the appliance support may be adapted to hold the medical appliance and to provide direct access for a coating to contact the exposed external patterned surfaces of the medical appliance. The solenoid type fluid dispensing head in this system may move with respect to the medical appliance and may be in communication with a source of coating and with the processor. The processor in this system may contain commands that instruct the solenoid type fluid dispensing head to force coating onto the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance in a pattern that correlates with the accessible patterned surfaces of the medical appliance.

Abstract: The method of protectively coating metallic uranium which comprises dipping the metallic uranium in a molten alloy comprising about 20-75% of copper and about 80-25% of tin, dipping the coated uranium promptly into molten tin, withdrawing it from the molten tin and removing excess molten metal, thereupon dipping it into a molten metal bath comprising aluminum until it is coated with this metal, then promptly withdrawing it from the bath.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel silicon-containing compound having an oxidation potential of 0.3 to 1.5 V on the basis of a standard hydrogen electrode, wherein at least one alkoxy group is bonded to a silicon atom and at least one aromatic amine group is also bonded to the silicon atom. An organic electroluminescence device having excellent mechanical and electric contact between an electrode and an organic layer is also provided by treating the surface of an anode with using a surface-treating agent comprising the above silicon-containing compound.

Abstract: To provide versatile radioactive implants and methods of radiation therapy, plating methods such sputtering, as are used to coat single elements such as microspheres, wires and ribbons with radioactive metals, protective layers and identification layers. The resulting solid, radioactive, multilayered seamless elements are implanted individually or combined in intercavity applicators, with fabrics and in ribbons. Because they have selected half-lives and intensities, they provide flexibility in treatment, permitting low intensity or high intensity treatment using temporary or permanent implants and implants with high intensity or low intensity or contoured intensity to permit different therapies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a polymer coating on an elongated substrate, preferably an elongate intracorporeal device in the form of a guidewire. An extrudable polymer cartridge is moved by a cartridge advancement mechanism into a guide chamber which is heated at an end with a die or orifice through which a desired portion of a guidewire may pass and be coated. Parameters such as guide chamber temperature, pull speed and force exerted by the cartridge advancement mechanism may be controlled with a computer program in order to achieve repeatable results. The guide chamber, extrudable polymer cartridge, die, and push tube may all be made from polymer components which can be reused or disposed of after a single use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a radiation flood source by printing a radioactive solution, and a radioactive printing solution used in this method. The present invention also relates to a flood source for quality testing and assurance of radiation detecting devices obtained by said process.

Abstract: A two-step process for depositing and securing a chemical species onto a medical device. In the first step a chemical species is deposited onto a medical device. Electrodeposition is used in one technique. In the second steps, the deposited coating is secured to the medical device. In one technique, plasma recoil implantation is used. The two-step process is well-suited for non-metallic radioactive materials.

Abstract: Method of thin layer preparation for a radionuclide source comprising the following steps: deposition of a drop of a radionuclide dissolved in a solvent onto a on a support substrate, placing said support substrate with said drop in a confined space with a reduced pressure, directing at least one flow of a hot gas onto the drop, rotating the source relative to the hot gas jet creating turbulences inside the drop, evaporating the solvent and obtaining a thin layer of dry radionuclide.

Abstract: Radioactive coating solutions and sol-gels, and corresponding methods for making a substrate radioactive by the application of the radioactive coating solutions and sol-gels thereto. The radioactive coating solution comprises at least one carrier metal and a radioisotope, which may be soluble or insoluble, and may further comprise a reducing agent. The radioactive sol-gel comprises at least one metal alkoxide and a radioisotope, which may be soluble or insoluble. Methods of making a substrate radioactive by coating with radioactive coating solutions or sol-gels are also disclosed, including electrodeposition, electroless deposition, spin coating and dip coating. In a particular embodiment, the radioactive coating formed by the method is a composite coating. Radioactive substrates are also disclosed, comprising a substrate and one or more radioactive coatings, which coatings may be the same or different.

Abstract: This invention relates to radioactively coated devices, preferably radioactively coated medical devices. These coated devices are characterized as having a low rate of leaching of the radioisotope from the surface of the coated device and a uniform radioactive coating, and are therefore suitable for use within biological systems. Methods for coating a device with a radioisotope comprising are also disclosed. One method comprises immersing the device within a solution containing a &Ugr;, &bgr;+, &agr;,&bgr;− For &egr; (electron capture) emitting radioisotope, then exposing the immersed substrate to tuned vibrational cavitation to produce a coated substrate. A second method involves coating a substrate using electroless plating, and yet a third method involves the use of electroplating a radioisotope onto a substrate of interest. With these methods, the coating procedures are followed by baking the coated substrate at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the substrate.

Abstract: A device useful for localized delivery of a therapeutic material is provided. The device includes a structure including a porous material; and a water-insoluble salt of a therapeutic material dispersed in the porous material. The water-insoluble salt is formed by contacting an aqueous solution of a therapeutic salt with a heavy metal water-soluble salt dispersed throughout a substantial portion of the porous material. The porous material can be made of a polymer other than fibrin with fibrin incorporated into the pores, which can be the only layer of polymeric material on the medical device (e.g., stent). A new method for preparing a porous polymer material on a medical device.

Abstract: Palladium-103 radiochemical of high radionuclidic purity can be produced in commercial scale quantities by irradiating enriched Palladium targets comprising a mixture of Pd isotopes with protons or deuterons in the 10-50 MeV energy range. Commercially viable batch sizes with acceptable specific activity of the product Pd-103 are achieved by adjusting the irradiation energy, irradiation time, irradiation current, current density, plated target mass, plated target shape, plated target size, target isotope enrichment levels, and incident angle of the target to the beam. The method for the production of Pd-103 comprises providing a target material enriched with Pd isotopes comprising atomic masses equal to or greater than Pd-103, applying the target material onto a target support; irradiating the target material with protons or deuterons of sufficient incident energy and time to convert at least some of the Pd isotopes within the target material to Pd-103; and purifying Pd from the non-Pd components.

Abstract: A method for coating a substrate with a radioisotope comprising is disclosed. The method comprises immersing the substrate within a solution containing a .gamma., .beta..sup.+, .alpha. or .beta..sup.- emitting radioisotope, then exposing the immersed substrate to tuned vibrational cavitation (i.e. ultrasonic) to produce a coated substrate, followed by baking the coated substrate at a temperature below the recrystallization temperature of the substrate. Following this step, the substrate is rinsed and dried. Substrates coated using the method of this invention exhibit very low rates of leaching of the coated radioisotope, and are suitable for use within medical applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for precisely applying radioactive material to a substrate such as a brachytherapy device is disclosed. A radioactive fluid adapted to cure rapidly is deposited as discrete dots onto a surface with a fluid-jet printhead. The apparatus comprises a fluid-jet printhead in communication with a chamber containing radioactive fluid to be applied by the printhead. The printhead is microprocessor driven, and the microprocessor may be provided with feedback from a station where the radioactivity deposited on a preceding substrate in a batch is measured, permitting the system to be recalibrated on an ongoing basis as the batch of printed devices is produced. Compensation for attenuation of radiation by a casing may also be made part of the feedback technique. Also disclosed is a brachytherapy device having printed on a surface dots of radiation-emitting material, in a pattern comprising various bands, dots or areas.

Abstract: A method for preparing a radioactive, implantable, medical device is provided. The method involves depositing a layer of a radioactive metal that emits beta particles and that has a half-life of between 2 hours and 7 days and a maximum beta energy of between 0.7 and 2.3 MeV onto a metallic surface of the device. In one embodiment, the radioactive metal and a carrier metal are electroplated onto the metallic surface. In another embodiment, a second metallic layer comprising a barrier metal is electroplated onto the radioactive metal layer. A medical device having a metallic surface with a radioactive metallic coating thereon is provided. In one embodiment, the coating comprises a radioactive layer comprising a radioactive metal that emits beta-particles and that has a half-life of between 2 hours and 7 days and an energy level of from about 0.7 MeV to 2.3 MeV and a carrier metal. In another embodiment, the coating further comprises a second layer deposited on the radioactive layer.

Abstract: A method for preventing radioactive contamination of porous surfaces comprising providing an apparatus for handling radioactive material comprising a porous surface; exposing the porous surface to a vacuum; depositing a flowable precursor material onto the porous surface, wherein the porous surface comprises pores and the vacuum is effective to substantially fill the pores with the flowable precursor material; subjecting the flowable precursor material to energy sufficient to convert the flowable precursor material to an effective sealant film comprising amorphous carbon. In a preferred embodiment, the porous surface is an anodized aluminum surface.

Abstract: A needle tipped with a plating of radioactive metal and covered with additional layers of plating to prevent subsequent rubbing off of radioactive material, decreases local or systemic reactions to the plating materials, and prevents decomposition of the underlying plating materials. The radioactive tipped needle can be used in conjunction with nuclear medicine imaging techniques to identify and localize abnormalities that may not be seen using other radiographic techniques. A method for producing the needle is also described.

Abstract: A method for containing or removing contamination from a substrate includes applying a material such as a polyurea elastomer to the contaminated substrate. Preferably, the material sets in less than about 1 hour and is substantially unaffected by exposure to radiation. The contaminants can be contained or shielded on the substrate by the material to reduce exposure to the contaminants. In one preferred embodiment, this invention relates to the encapsulation of objects or surfaces to shield persons in the area from contamination. Alternatively, the material can be removed from the substrate to remove contaminants. Preferably, the material provides a Decontamination Factor of at least about 10. In another preferred embodiment, the material is applied hot to the contaminated substrate to increase its effectiveness in removing contaminants. The present method can also prevent contamination of an uncontaminated substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the deposition of ions onto a surface, such as the adsorption of uranium ions on the detecting surface of a radionuclide detector. The method includes the step of exposing the surface to a complexing agent, such as a phosphate ion solution, which has an affinity for the dissolved species to be deposited on the surface. This provides, for example, enhanced sensitivity of the radionuclide detector.

Abstract: A pellet carrier disc is movably held between two cooling blocks. The disc is vertically moved, setting its through hole into axial alignment with a first hole of the block. Deuterium gas is supplied into the through hole through the hole, and cooled and solidified, forming a deuterium cylinder. Then, the disc is moved, axially aligning the hole with a second hole of the block. A shaft is thrust into a first end of the deuterium cylinder through the hole, thereby forming a hole in the end of the cylinder. Next, the disc is moved, axially aligning the hole with a third hole of the block. Tritium gas is introduced into the hole of the cylinder through the hole, and cooled and solidified, forming a tritium core. Further, the disc is moved, axially aligning the hole with a fourth hole of the block. A shaft is moved through the hole, causing the second end portion of the deuterium cylinder to project from the hole. The second end portion of the cylinder is cut off.

Abstract: Safe, isotopically pure Pd-103-containing seeds of high apparent activity are formed by bombarding an Rh target in a cyclotron with high energy particles to obtain Rh containing carrier-free Pd-103, separating therefrom the carrier-free Pd-103, adding a small amount of Pd to the carrier-free Pd-103, electroplating said Pd-103/Pd admixture to a pellet(s) of electroconductive material and encapsulating the pellet(s) within a bicompatible container or shell.

Abstract: A method and composition for stabilizing and isolating hazardous, radioactive or mixed waste materials of particulate and solid types, which comprises providing a non-toxic one component aqueous mixture of an acrylic polymer containing a thixotropic agent, a vinyl acetate-ethylene copolymer containing a thixotropic agent, or a vinyl chloride copolymer latex containing a thixotropic agent, and applying the mixture over surfaces of hazardous material in an amount sufficient to form a flexible impermeable coating or foam. The mixture may be applied by spraying to form a coating having a thickness of about 0.5 to about 5.0 centimeters when dry. The coated waste material may then be disposed of in conventional manner.

Abstract: A method of compacting radioactive metal wastes comprising enclosing the radioactive metal waste in vacuo in a capsule, placing the capsule into a pressure container, and subjecting the capsule to an increased pressure at a high temperature to compact the waste. The compacting treatment is conducted in a state in which the atmosphere within the pressure container contains water molecules in an amount, in terms of the total weight W (g) thereof, the amount being preferably in the range of:1.3.times.10.sup.-6 .times.V.ltoreq.Wwherein V (cm.sup.3) is the volume of the compacting space in the pressure container. Alternatively, an oxide coating is formed on the outer surface of the capsule before the capsule is placed into the pressure container, or the formation of the oxide coating is followed by the compacting treatment conducted in the above-mentioned state.

Abstract: A packaging material for packing boxes, packing bags and wrapping paper characterized in that a surface of the packaging material is coated with an air pervious tight coating. The coating partially or entirely covers the surface intended for contact with the wrapped contents, and contains grains or minute particles of a freshness preservative substance which is a far-infrared radioactive substance emitting radiation of a wave length of about 3-4 .mu.m at room temperature, a gas adsorptive substance, a substance reactive with oxygen at room temperature or a mixture thereof.Also disclosed is a method of fixing the freshness preservative substance on a packaging material characterized by printing, coating or spraying a coating onto a surface of the packaging material that is to be contacted with the wrapped contents.

Abstract: A method of preventing the growth of microorganisms on the surface of a substrate in contact with the environment, while simultaneously preventing corrosion of these substrates by depositing nickel-63 onto the substrate.

Abstract: A solidification processing apparatus for radioactive waste materials comprises a tank for a solidifying agent for solidifying the radioactive waste materials, a waste material vessel connected to the tank for the radioactive waste materials, a pouring control unit for controlling pouring of the solidifying agent into the vessel, and a heating and curing chamber for heating the vessel by an indirect heating unit after pouring the solidifying agent onto the waste materials in the vessel to polymerize and set the solidifying agent, thereby solidifying the radioactive waste materials. With this arrangement, the solidifying agent superior in impregnation is poured into a vessel filled with radioactive waste materials, whose poured amount is controlled by the pouring control unit. After pouring the solidifying agent into the vessel, the vessel is heated indirectly by an indirect heating unit in order to avoid deflagration if the solidifying agent is combustible.

Abstract: A method for rapid identification of art objects or other valuables. Oil paintings, sculptures and other valuable objects are coded with radioisotopes at a specific X,Y,Z coordinate system. The exact location of the isotope and a measurement of the emitted radiation are recorded for future use to show the art object, or any other valuable object, has been destroyed, stolen, lost, or duplicated.

Abstract: A method for preparing highly hydrogen-reactive surfaces on metals which normally require substantial heating, high pressures, or an extended induction period, which involves pretreatment of said surfaces with either a non-oxidizing acid or hydrogen gas to form a hydrogen-bearing coating on said surfaces, and subsequently heating said coated metal in the absence of moisture and oxygen for a period sufficient to decompose said coating and cooling said metal to room temperature. Surfaces so treated will react almost instantaneously with hydrogen gas at room temperature and low pressure. The method is particularly applicable to uranium, thorium, and lanthanide metals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for depositing I-125 on a substrate which comprises contacting a predetermined surface area of substrate with Xe-125 gas, whereby the Xe-125 decays to I-125 and the I-125 in turn deposits as a solid on the surface of the substrate, the contact being for a time sufficient to deposit at least about 1 microcurie of I-125. I-125 is thereby deposited in a relatively uniform amount over the surface area of the substrate. The substrate is then assayed to determine how much I-125 has been deposited. The substrate is then divided into pieces of measured surface area, each piece therefore containing a measured amount of deposited I-125, and each piece can then be used in the manufacture of an I-125 source.

Abstract: A block of polymeric material 12 comprises label layers 14 and interposed non-label layers 16, each label layer containing a different known concentration of a label material. The block can be sliced by a microtome 18 into thin section each of which is useful as a standard for analysis e.g. in autoradiography. Preferred label materials are radioactive isotopes e.g. 3-H and 14-C; other label materials include metals and fluorescent materials.

Abstract: A uniform cryogenic layer of DT fuel is maintained in a fusion target having a low density, small pore size, low Z rigid foam shell saturated with liquid DT fuel. Capillary action prevents gravitational slumping of the fuel layer. The saturated shell may be cooled to produce a solid fuel layer.