Background
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the decay of uranium and thorium, often present in materials containing naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM). It is commonly found in building materials, mining industries, and even in certain raw materials used for scientific research. Because radon is mobile and can escape into air or process streams, it poses unique challenges for radiation protection, monitoring, and environmental safety.
Accurate measurement of radon is essential to assess and control its impact. Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC) with HIDEX instrumentation is a powerful technique that can be adapted for such applications. Developing and optimizing new methodologies for radon and gross alpha-beta measurements will provide valuable tools for both fundamental research and industrial process monitoring.
Your Tasks
- Develop and test methods for radon detection using HIDEX LSC, including extractive methods.
- Perform gross alpha-beta screening measurements with LSC.
- Optimize methods for sensitivity and reproducibility.
- Apply methods to case studies, e.g., radon mapping in complex material or process streams.
What you’ll gain
- Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of alpha-beta spectroscopy.
- Hands-on training in advanced liquid scintillation counting using HIDEX instrumentation.
- Practical insights into radon monitoring and mapping in industrially relevant scenarios.
Who is this for?
This project is ideal for students who want to combine radiochemistry, analytical method development, and environmental/industrial applications. If you’re curious about radiation measurement techniques and want to contribute to safer use of NORM in society, this thesis will give you both the scientific foundation and the laboratory skills to do so.
Location
Institute for Energy Technology, Tracer Technology department.
Kontaktperson:
Dep. Head Georgios Kalantzopoulos