International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Heera Singh
Abstract: Radioisotopes are radioactive isotopes of an element that emits radiations to achieve stability through processes like alpha, beta, and gamma decay. They are used in industry to trace, test and also in several industrial processes and space operations. Radioisotopes are use in RTGs (Radioisotopes thermoelectric generators). RTGs provide electric power using heat from the decay of radioactive isotopes like Plutonium-238 (in the form of plutonium oxide) etc. Works on the principal of Seebeck effect. The selection of fuels for RTGs, there are some criteria that isotopes must have like ability to produce high radiation energy, long half life for regular production of energy, high heat power to mass ratio and cross section. This study is focused mainly on study of cross section area of radioisotopes. The cross section is very important factor, it represents the probability of a nuclear reaction occurring when a particle such as neutron interacts with the nucleus of an atom. This study calculates the cross-sectional area of some radioisotopes with the help of statistical model code EMPIRE 3.2 and compare it with the experimental data available.
