Constructing an Exposure Chamber for a Cf-252 Source at the University of Dallas

Cf-252 has many different uses in academia today including being a neutron source. Upon acquiring a Cf-252 sample, it became necessary for the University of Dallas Physics Department to construct a chamber for neutron exposures of semiconductor devices. This chamber would allow us to conduct nuclear activation experiments with the Cf-252 source. Simulations were performed with GEANT4 to design a chamber that would keep the radiation exposure to the staff, public, and the environment As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) in compliance with the guidelines from the Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commisssion (NRC). From the results of the simulation, 12 inches of high density concrete was determined to be an adequate amount of shielding material for the exposure chamber. Once the chamber was constructed, the radiation levels in the exposure room as well as the nearest public areas were measured with Ludlum devices. Finally, neutron exposures of volatile memory devices were completed, demonstrating the functionality of the chamber for future neutron exposure experiments.