What is Californium?
Californium 252 is a significant source of neutron, and it’s unique than any other element because it gives in an extremely concentrated and reliable neutron spectrum in a minuscule assembly. It is a radioactive isotope of Californium (98). This radioactive isotope have been used from 1952 to till now for many significant medical related issues as well as in the industrial field, scientific research and nuclear science studies. Over these decades, Californium-252 has been used widely and has provided incredible results regarding cancer therapy and neutron radiography of objects. Usage of californium-252 has no other alternative options because of its extensive applications in nuclear reactors, fission reactions and also for detecting layers of natural fuels and water levels. Scientists are going through some extensive researches, and they are optimistic about the further usage of this element for our advantages.
History:
Californium-252 is an isotope of the element 98 in the periodic table named ‘Californium’. Californium is one of the natural elements with highest molecular weight, above this most of the elements can’t be found naturally on earth and they are synthesized. It was first made in University of California Radiation Laboratory in Berkley by assailing of curium with an alpha ray that is helium-4 ions. This is the sixth transuranium to be synthesized and it is an element of the actinide series.
Californium-252 was first isolated from the debris of Mike thermonuclear test at Eniwetok in November, 1952. This isotope stands out from other elements because of its character of going under spontaneous nuclear fission reactions an attendant strong neutron emissions and a half-life of 2.64 years. It goes under alpha decay and therefore it is an excellent source for neutron emission. Its uses related to medical and industrial purposes are irreplaceable.
The exceptional capability of this radioactive isotope to perform a minute nuclear reactor- providing a highly concentrated and reliable source of neutrons was proven to be true when increasing amounts became available from reactor irradiations in 1967. Californium-252 is produced in High Flux Isotope Reactor and processed in Radiochemical Engineering Developing Centre in both of which are situated at Oak Regional National Laboratory in Oak Ridge Tennessee. These are facilities are the only supplier in the western world and the major source of supply for the rest of the world, with the exception of Frontier Technology Corporation in Xenia, OH.
It is evident that this radioactive isotope has a significant impact in many fields of this modern world, and that is why production and availability of this substance can’t be comprehended, and there is no other alternative. It is produced in only two countries of the world United States and Russia. Production of this element is strongly supported by many people, industry, nuclear studies, academic institutions and business for its growing necessities and availability in today’s world.
Medical Uses:
Application of Californium-252 in the treatment of many nervous system related diseases has been proved really useful. Otherwise, incurable malignancy, for example, cervical cancer and brain tumors have been operated successfully with Cf-252 and has provided with excellent results over the years. Besides many lives have been saved by treating with this element and researchers are focusing on to look for even more potential uses.
