Retrospective measurements of thoron and radon by CDs/DVDs: a model approach
Authored By: Brossard M, Brascoupé M, Ottawa CB, Falcomer R, Ottawa W, Scott A, Whyte J.
Abstract: An approach for retrospective measurements of thoron (220Rn) and radon (222Rn) by home-stored CDs/DVDs is proposed. It employs analysis of alpha tracks at two depths beneath the disk surface. The signal in the first one (69 µm) is due both to 220Rn and 222Rn, while the signal at the second (80 µm) is due only to 222Rn. The second signal is used as to measure 222Rn, as well as to determine and subtract ‘the 222Rn component’ from the first signal. The remaining ‘220Rn component’ is used to measure thoron. Numerical modelling is performed and the results show that simultaneous retrospective measurements of thoron and radon are possible over a wide range of environmental concentrations.
For more information visit: http://rpd.oxfordjournals.org/content/149/4/464.abstract?etoc