Californium 252 is a powerful neutron emitter. It is used as a neutron source either as the metal (Californium-252 Neutron Source And Method Of Making Same (1972)), or alloy (Californium-Palladium Metal Neutron Source Material (1974)).
Californium 252 neutron sources can be used:
- in Brachytherapy (Dosimetry For Californium-252 (<252>Cf) Neutron-Emitting Brachytherapy Sources And Encapsulation, Storage, And Clinical Delivery Thereof (2001)),
- for in vivo neutron activation analysis of calcium and phosphorus in human bone (Calcium And Phosphorus Irradiation Esp. For In-Vivo Investigation – Uses Californium As Neutron Source For Highly Localised Target (1978)),
- for neutron activation analysis of valuable elements in drill cores (Analytical Equipment For Zone Assays Of The Content Of Valuable Elements In Boring Kernels (1974)),
- or simultaneous non-destructive neutron and gamma ray radiography (Neutron And Gamma Rays Simultaneous Radiography Utllizing Californium-252 And Device Used In Said Radiography (1983)).
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All patent information has been obtained from Espacenet (European Patent Office).