Electrodeposition Techniques for the Preparation of Beta-Sprectroscopy Sources of Rare-Earth Elements

Thin, uniform radioactive deposits of rare earths and related elements can be prepared by cathodic electrodeposition of their hydroxides. The main theoretical and experimental features of this process are reviewed and plating cell design and the choice of conditions are described together with the associated radio-chemical methods. The use of copper-backed nickel films is shown to allow the preparation of beta sources on quite thin (down to 45 μg cm−2) backings, if the copper layer is etched selectively after the radioactivity has been plated onto the nickel.