Detection limit improvements forecasted at CTBTO IMS radionuclide stations based on size separation of aerosols by aerodynamic diameter

摘要

Studies show that aerosols with natural activity have an aerodynamic diameter in the range of 0.1 to 1 mu m. In contrast, nuclear explosions generally produce radioactive aerosols with aerodynamic diameters less than 0.1 mu m and greater than 1 mu m. These differences in aerosol sizes are quite fortuitous because they allow aerosol aerodynamic diameter to be utilized as a physical property to separate aerosols of natural origin from those produced in a nuclear explosion. Data collected in Austin, TX and at U.S. CTBT IMS radionuclide stations have been utilized to forecast detection limit improvements possible given an aerosol size separation capability.