Description

Californium CAS NO 7440-71-3 is a synthetic, radioactive actinide element, primarily known for its potent neutron-emitting properties. This makes it an exceptionally valuable material for specialized industrial and scientific applications where a compact, intense neutron source is required. Key users include nuclear research facilities, the oil and gas industry for well-logging, and specialized manufacturing sectors for neutron radiography and material activation analysis.

Application

• Neutron Source for Well-Logging: Used in portable neutron sources to analyze the porosity and composition of geological formations in oil and gas exploration.
• Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA): Serves as a neutron emitter for precise elemental analysis in research, mining, and security screening for explosives detection.
• Neutron Radiography: Provides a neutron beam for non-destructive testing of components, revealing internal structures and defects not visible with X-rays.
• Nuclear Reactor Startup: Utilized as a reliable neutron source to initiate fission reactions in nuclear reactors.
• Research and Calibration: Essential in nuclear physics research and for calibrating neutron detection equipment.
• Moisture Gauging: Applied in industrial processes to measure moisture content in materials via neutron moderation techniques.

Basic Information

Product Name	Californium
CAS No.	7440-71-3
Molecular Formula	Cf
Molecular Weight	251.08 (for Cf-251)
Synonyms	Californium-252; Cf-252; Californium metal; Element 98; Californium-249; Cf-249; Californium(III) oxide precursor; Californium neutron source
EINECS	231-154-9

Quality Control

All californium materials are produced and handled under stringent nuclear safety and quality protocols. Each batch is rigorously tested for isotopic purity, neutron emission rate, and radionuclidic purity to meet exacting customer and regulatory requirements. A comprehensive Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing specific activity, isotopic composition, and trace impurity levels is provided with every shipment to ensure full traceability and compliance.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed, specially designed container, protected from light and stored in a certified, shielded nuclear facility. Must be handled and stored in strict accordance with all national and international regulations for radioactive materials (e.g., IAEA, NRC). Storage temperature is typically controlled at ambient conditions (15-25°C) within the approved containment system.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance (Form)	Metal foil / deposited film / oxide form
Isotopic Purity (Cf-252)	≥ 96.9%
Neutron Emission Rate	As specified (e.g., 10^6 to 10^9 n/s)
Specific Activity	~536 Ci/g (for Cf-252)
Gamma Dose Rate	As per batch COA
Radiochemical Purity	≥ 99%

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.