Excitation functions have been measured, using a 38-Mev alpha-beam and a 19-Mev deuteron beam for the following reactions: Bi({alpha},2n)At{sup 211}, Bi({alpha},3n)At{sup 210}, Bi(d,p)Ra E, Bi(d,n)Po{sup 210}, and Bi(d,3n)Po{sup 209}. The results are summarized in Figs. 4 and 5 and Tables I and II. A new isotope of astatine, At{sup 210}, has been identified; this isotope has a half life of 8.3 hr., decaying by K-capture to Po{sup 210} with the emission of a 1.0-Mev gamma-ray and a few conversion electrons.

Isotopes of francium with 126 or fewer neutrons have been looked for in bombardments of Th{sup 232} with 350 Mev protons from the 184-inch cyclotron. Fr{sup 212} with an apparent half-life of 19.3 minutes for branching decay by alpha emission (44%) to At{sup 208} and by orbital electron capture (56%) to Em{sup 212} has been found. Em{sup 212} is shown to be a 23-minute alpha-emitter. At{sup 208} decays primarily (99.5%) by orbital electron capture to Po{sup 208}, but shows 0.5% alpha-branching. The francium and emanation isotopes have alpha half-lives completely out of line with the predictions based on the previously known isotopes of these elements. Their high alpha stability is believed to be due to a closed shell of 126 neutrons in analogy to the behavior of elements 83-85. The non-existence of long-lived francium in nature is discussed in the terms of this and other recent work on francium isotopes.

This report summarizes the radioactive contamination measured at the Hanford Works and vicinity for the quarter July, August, and September 1948. Topics discussed are: meteorology; airborne contamination and contamination of the Columbia River; vegetation; drinking water; and in Hanford Wastes.

This memorandum provides results of spectroscopic analysis of pile gas which were completed on August 4, 1945.

This monthly report details Engineering Department technical activities for the month of May 1947.

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The object of this project is to reduce the impurities and raise the density of rejected slugs and briquetted turnings from these slugs by recasting the material. Summary and conclusions are (1) slugs and briquettes made from turnings produced when these slugs were machined can be recast with great improvement in quality; (2) casting this material is quite hard on graphite crucibles, but a long-range program might point the way to better graphite usage; (3) this metal run alone gives fair yields (88.8% to 94.8%) if heated to 2500 F and then cooled to 2400 F before pouring. Mixing with virgin metal improves the final quality, but does not materially increase the yield; (4) briquettes should not be mixed with magnesium before recasting.

Samples of pile graphite, irradiated in a test-hole at Hanford for 15 months, have been assayed for radioactive C{sup14}, yielding 0.38 ± 0.04 microcuries per gram. At this level of activity, the pile graphite contains very valuable amounts of C{sup14}. The relation between the above assay and the probable average assay of pile graphite is discussed, and it is concluded that the latter is almost certainly above 0.3 uc/ gram. Controlled oxidation of this graphite, either with oxygen at ~ 750°C, or with chromic acid "cleaning solution" at room temperature, yields early fractions which are highly enriched in C{sup14}. Concentrations of 5-fold with oxygen, and 50-fold with CRO{sub3}, have been observed. The relation between the observed enrichment and the Wigner effect is discussed, and a mechanism accounting for the observations put forward. According to this, about 25% of the stable carbon atoms in the lattice have been displaced by Wigner effect, a large fraction of which have healed the migrating to crystal edges. All the C{sup14} atoms have been displaced, and the same fraction of these migrate to the edges. The enrichment then results from surface oxidation, in the oxygen case. Predictions are made on the basis of this hypothesis. …

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A revised and expanded version of NNES-DC-1. The liquid thermal diffusion method for the separation of isotopes is described. The discussion includes the experimental aspects of the method, description of equipment, and the theoretical aspects of the process as applied to the design, development, and performance criteria. A short history of the liquid thermal diffusion method from 1940 to 1945 is preserted along; with a survey of relevant literature prior to 1940. The remainder of the report is concerned with theoretical aspects. (J.R.D.)

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To find a process for successful photochemical separation of isotopes several conditions have to be fulfilled. First, the different isotopes have to show some differences in the spectrum. Secondly, and equally important, this difference must be capable of being exploited in a photochemical process. Parts A and B outline the physical and chemical conditions, and the extent to which one might expect to find them fulfilled. Part C deals with the applicability of the process.

These studies were aimed at elucidating affects of radiation in inducing hemolysis independent of inhibition of erythropoiesis. Research studies were conducted both on human patients and dogs. Phosphorus-32 in mc amounts were administered either intravenously or orally to patients suffering Polycythemia rubra vera. Dogs were treated with either P-32 or x-radiation. Hemoglobin metabolism was monitored in all test subjects by hematology, blood chemistry, and fecal excretion of hemoglobin catabolites.

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This report provides a discussion of technical activities at the Hanford Works as of May 10, 1949.