Electronic autoradiography of 133Ba particle emissions; diffusion profiles in granitic rocks

The spatial distribution of barium activity in granitic rocks was measured with two autoradiography techniques; digital autoradiography using phosphor imaging plate technique (Fuji 5100) and filmless electronic autoradiography (i.e. The BeaQuant™), which is based on a gas detector incorporated in a micromesh Parallel Ionization Multiplier (PIM). Rock cubes taken from a diffusion experiment that were in contact with 133Ba tracer were measured to determine diffusion profiles. In addition, the spatial distribution of 133Ba in the samples was determined. Polymethyl methacrylate standards for 133Ba were developed to determine the counting efficiency for electronic autoradiography. Good visual correlation between the two autoradiography methods were obtained in this study. The results of the experiments presented here can be utilized in future studies on the diffusion behavior of barium in granitic rocks. •The spatial distribution of 133Ba activity in granitic rocks was measured with two autoradiography techniques.•Digital autoradiography using phosphor imaging plate technique and filmless electronic autoradiography were compared.•133Ba polymethylmethacrylate standards were developed to determine the counting efficiency for electronic autoradiography.•Good correlation between the two autoradiography methods were obtained in this study.