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INL reports findings on unusual quantum behavior of plutonium
Scientists at Idaho National Laboratory have discovered that plutonium hexaboride (PuB6) displays a type of unusual quantum property called a topological Kondo insulating state. Materials with this property are neither typical electricity conductors nor regular insulators. Rather, they have exterior surfaces that strongly conduct electricity and interiors that block electricity.
Duncan W. MacArthur, Krag S. Allander, John A. Bounds, J. Lee McAtee
Nuclear Technology | Volume 102 | Number 2 | May 1993 | Pages 270-276
Technical Paper | Radiation Protection | doi.org/10.13182/NT93-A34822
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Traditional alpha-particle contamination monitors are limited in usefulness because of the short range of alpha particles in air. This range limitation makes it impossible to adequately monitor for alpha-particle contamination on uneven surfaces and inside equipment. Personnel must be scanned manually, a procedure that is comparatively uncertain. The long-range alpha detector eliminates many of the difficulties associated with equipment and personnel monitoring by detecting the ions produced by the alpha particles interaction with the air, rather than detecting the alpha particle itself. The personnel and equipment monitors are described in detail, and other potential applications are suggested.