The study of the interaction of the electromagnetic field with nuclei has proved very fruitful for the elucidation of many details of nuclear structure. The γ-ray transitions observed in either absorption or emission can be divided into three classes, depending on whether the matrix elements of the transition are (1) much larger, (2) approximately equal or (3) much smaller than those expected for single proton transitions which are usually taken as a norm. In class (1) we find (a) the broad transitions leading to the "giant resonances" in the nuclear photo-electric effect, and (b) the "fast" transitions between low lying states, especially for even-even nuclei far removed from magic numbers. The large matrix elements and the regular dependence of their magnitude on the atomic weight speak for cooperative phenomena in which many nucleons or the nuclei as a whole are involved. In class (2) we find the much studied M4 transitions which give strong support for the single particle model; they have rather uniform matrix elements. Some finer points remain to be understood, especially why some odd nuclei do not show the expected ratio for |M|^2 of ~ 2:1. The transitions belonging to class (3) require further selection rules and …

Uranium extraction of 95% has been obtained from samples of Temple Mountain ore by a cyclic test procedure in which the new feed was not roasted. This procedure involved acid leaching the ore, flotation and roasting of the carbonaceous material, and acid leaching the roaster calcine.

A report about a previously published semiquantitative spectrographic method that was modified by applying microphotometric scanning of the spectrograms in such a way that the operator was free to do other work during a large part of the scanning time.

The Bevatron requires an intense source of high energy protons. The machine should accept monoenergetic protons for a duration of approximately 500 microseconds once every 6 seconds. To satisfy the requirements of small loss due to scattering by the gas in the accelerating chamber, a 9.9-Mev linear accelerator has been built and operated.

The quantitative estimation of submicrogram amounts of boron in zirconium hydride using a colorimetric procedure is described. Solution of the sample in sulfuric acid or hydrofluoric acid and subsequent distillation of methyl borate without boron loss or contamination is shown to be possible. Using the curcumin color reaction, quantities of boron as low as 0.01 microgram can be detected. The method should apply equally well to zirconium metal and compounds, providing they can be dissolved under conditions that do not result in loss of boron and if the resulting solution will permit the quantitative removal of boron by distillation as methyl borate.

Abstract: In one of the final stages of the process at the Mallinckrodt Uranium Refining Center, a 45 per cent nitric acid solution at about 170 F is used to pickle the calcined magnesium fluoride scale off the uranium derbies. The increase in the fluoride-ion content of the bath tends to promote corrosion of the Type 347 stainless tanks. This attack becomes excessive if 0.3 g/liter of fluoride ion or more is present. It was found that if aluminum ion is added to the solution the corrosiveness of the bath can be controlled. Two or three times as much aluminum ion as fluoride ion present is found satisfactory at 170 F. Indications are that the tying up of the fluoride-ion by the complexion [AlF6]8 is responsible for the corrosion control.

Monthly newsletter of the High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No. 1, discussing the field of underground water. Topics include profiles of water conservation research, annual pre-plant soil moisture survey data, annual Winter Water Level measurement data, and information about the latest water conservation tips.

The fluorometric method for determining microgram quantities of uranium dissolved in concentrated sulfuric acid was reinvestigated for the purpose of measuring any interference caused by plutonium in uranium samples. No plutonium fluorescence, and therefore no positive errors due to plutonium, were observed. Limited transmittance of hexavalent plutonium in sulfuric acid at 513, and especially at 360 millimicrons, produces variable negative errors in uranium determinations.

Recent instrumental developments and theoretical speculation have indicated a need for more information concerning the excited electronic states of polyatomic molecules and ions in the elucidation of mass spectra. A theoretical description of these states is necessary for the proper interpretation of existing data and in laying a firm basis for the planning of future experiments. For the above reasons the energies of a number of the excited electronic states of methane have been calculated in a approximate fashion and the results applied to a discussion of the behavior of the methane ion.

Abstract: "A dc magnetic mirror machine has been built and tested by the ARC Research Group. Radiofrequency enhancement has been included in the design through the use of rf plates in the vacuum chamber of the machine. For the proton beams of the order of 1[mu]a, the mirror action has been observed as a function of both the rf voltage and the magnitude of the mirror field relative to the main magnetic field. Current measurements were performed with the aid of a Faraday cup with suitable bias grids."

Abstract: "Four brazing methods and one other joining process were evaluated for the joining of aluminum spacer fins to flat-plate aluminum-clad fuel elements. None of these methods appear completely suitable for use in a mass-production operation. Furnace brazing and salt-bath brazing were most promising. However, the mechanical problems involved in the application of either process deter their recommendation. Resistance brazing and torch-brazing were proven impractical. The great difference in mass between the two pieces being joined prevents the use of either the resistance or torch method. Pressure bonding is not applicable because of the excessive deformation of parts being joined."

The rapid development of the field of atomic energy during the past few years now permits the exploration of applications to medicine involving new concepts in the treatment of cancer. One such has been the study of neutron capture therapy which is being developed at the Brookhaven National Laboratory.

From introduction: This report describes the general geologic setting, the occurrences of uranium or radioactivity in the Fall Creek, Idaho area and adjacent areas, the probable nature of the mineralization and origin of the deposits, and the estimated reserves of uranium-bearing rock.

Report discussing the geology and uraniferous carbonaceous rocks found in the Bear River of the Fall Creek area of Bonneville County, Idaho. The report provides information regarding the geology of the area, uranium occurrences, distribution of uranium and other elements in carbonaceous materials, origin of uranium occurrences, core drilling results, and inferred reserves.

Report discussing the geology of the Calamity Peak area of Custer County, South Dakota. This area "was mapped to determine the relationship between the granite-pegmatite complex and the pegmatites containing beryl and other industrial minerals."

This report summarizes the test work done to evaluate the column ion exchange process for extraction or uranium from Grants acid leach liquors.

Leach liquors produced from Utex ore by cold leaching, hot leaching and pugging proved amenable to the ion exchange process. In addition, a resin-in-pulp system was operated using the Lucite Winchester sells on Utex pulp produced by cold leaching.

A laboratory scale test was devised to determine the relative physical stability of ion exchange resins designed for use in the resin-in-pulp process. The test was applied to four samples of resins.

The following quarterly report covers the period between April, May and June of 1954. The reports presented in this document discusses subjects of medical health and physics such as: biological studies of radiation effects, the metabolic properties of various tracer materials, radiation chemistry, health chemistry, and health physics.

Report discussing the Shinarump Conglomerate, the channels leading to this conglomerate, and the uranium minerals which localize at the base of this conglomerate via the channel sediments. The geology of the area, information on the channels, and information regarding the localization of uranium in channels are included.

A report regarding localization of uranium minerals in channel sediments at the base of the Shinarump conglomerate, Monument Valley, Arizona. This report concerns work done on behalf of the Division of Raw Materials of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.

There is at present a large collection of data giving the relative abundances of ions formed when molecules, especially hydrocarbons, are bombard with electrons and collected as positives ions in a mass spectrometer. This data per se gives us little insight into the kinetic processes occurring until it is combined with thermodynamic data and subject to a theoretical treatment based upon an assumed model for the kinetic processes taking place in the mass spectrometer. In accordance with our desire to learn more about these kinetic processes and in this way to shed some light on problems of molecular structure we have continued to explore the possible kinetic paths which propane ions take during their decomposition, with special reference to the effect of the substitution of deuterium for hydrogen.

Chemistry of Feed Materials. Studies were made of the first step in the reduction of UO/sub 3/ to UO/sub 2/. The rates of reduction of pelleted- hydrated and pelleted-dehydrated UO/sub 3/ to U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ in steam were determined. The rates of reduction of pelleted U/sub 3/O/sub 8/ to UO/sub 2/ in 1-to-1 ammonia-steam were determined. Some preliminary measurements were made on the thermal conductivities of hydrated and dehydrated UO/sub 3/ wafers. Purification of Th(NO/sub 3/)/sub 4/ for spectrographic standards is described. Uranium was extracted from MgF/sub 2/ slag with an aqueous solution of sodium carbonate --bicarbonate using 0/sub 2/ at 30 psi as an oxidant. The conversion of thorium benzoate to ThCl/sub 4/ was carried out with HCl in ether. Dimethyl ether was prepared by the catalytic dehydration of methanol. The processing of UO/sub 3/ containing As contamination is described. Metallurgical Investigations. A process for stripping Af and Ni coatings from flat plates is described. Analytical Chemistry. The spectrographic determination of dysprosium and gadolinium in lanthanum oxide matrix--rare earth concentrate is described. (W.L.H.)

One might expect that the Cosmotron would offer certain advantages over cosmic rays for the study of heavy unstable particles; provided, of course, that it can produce them. In the first place, the conditions under which they are produced could be controlled to a considerably greater extent. In the second place, it might be possible to arrange conditions under which they would be observed more abundantly, an actual beam of heavy mesons being the ideal situation.