Frontier Technology Corporation designs and manufactures standard and custom californium-252 sources for applications across a range of industries. All of our sources are approved for licensing purposes by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) for general use and we offer these capabilities:
Capsules containing Cf-252 isotope in wire form, up to a maximum content level of 5 mg Standard and custom single- and double-encapsulated neutron sources- Custom made, within established size parameters
- Capsule fabrication materials including Type 304L stainless steel, Zircaloy-2, platinum, and other alloys
- Capsules sealed by circumferential TIG welding, holding a tolerance of ±10%
- All products and processes meet rigorous industry standards including regulations from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ISO 2919, ASTM, and ANSI
- Special Form certification of all Model 10 sources by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Your Trusted Cf-252 Neutron Source Manufacturer
Since 1984, Ohio-based Frontier has become the world’s leading manufacturer of sealed Cf-252 neutron sources. As such, we are committed to the highest standards for safety and quality including:
- IAEA special form compliant manufacturer of Type-A certified shipping containers for radioactive materials
- All products and processes meet rigorous industry standards including regulations from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, ISO 2919, ASTM, and ANSI
- Licensed to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) with regulations consistent to the NRC
- Shipping to over 200 countries, excluding embargo list countries
- NIST Traceability
- Any depleted californium-252 neutron source fabricated in our facility can be returned to us for proper disposal. Customers pay for shipping only – disposal services are free of charge.
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Standard Californium-252 Neutron Sources: Model 10 Series
The Model 10 series are single-encapsulated sources, generally used as inner capsules for sources requiring multiple encapsulation. Because of this, they are highly versatile for many applications, while still licensed and transported as Model 10 sources.
The Model 10 source series has Special Form certification by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). Nominal dimensions for the Frontier Technology Corporation Model 10 and 10S sources are shown below in the expanded dropdowns.
Standard Neutron Source Model 10
Standard Neutron Source Model 10S
Standard Californium-252 Neutron Sources: Model 100 Series
The Model 100 series are double-encapsulated sources that use a Model 10 series source as the primary encapsulation. Thirty-two versions of the standard length source are available in various combinations of inner and outer capsule materials, orientations, and with or without the threaded stud. Upon request, custom configurations are also available.
Model 10 Series Inserted Into Model 100 Series
Model 10 series are single encapsulated sources. When inserted into the Model 100 series it creates the double encapsulated source assembly.
Nominal dimensions for the Frontier Technology Corporation Model 100, Model 100S, and Model 100SNS sources are shown in the expanded dropdowns below.
Standard Neutron Source Model 100
Standard Neutron Source Model 100S
Standard Neutron Source Model 100SNS
Custom Californium-252 Neutron Source Attachments
Custom californium-252 source attachments are available in configurations designed for your specific application. Available variations include but are not limited to:
Handling rods- Pigtails
- Cables
- Lanyards
- Eyelets
- Source capsule holders
- Outer wall thicknesses
- Other attachments (integration points for multi-system applications)
Handling rodsFrequently Asked Questions
What is Cf-252? What does it look like?
Californium is a radioactive element with extensive industrial applications. First identified in 1950 at the University of California Berkeley, Cf-252 is the only isotope of californium that spontaneously emits neutrons. A single microgram can release up to 170 million neutrons per minute. Californium was the sixth transuranium element to be discovered, but it remains one of the only to be broadly used in applications such as nuclear start-up, sand, shale, oil and gas, and more.
Californium-252 is a radioactive metal that is measured in micrograms and milligrams. (Other isotopes are measured in the form of Curies).
Cf-252 is a silver-white metal, and the isotope has a half-life of just 2.65 years. It has a primary energy of 2 MeV.
Choosing the Right Californium-252 Supplier
Our new eBook, Key Factors in Choosing the Right Californium-252 Supplier, explores important aspects to consider when choosing a Cf-252 supplier to meet your needs.
Neutron Source Uses & Applications
Californium-252 neutron sources are used in a number of applications due to its radioactive properties. Some of the most popular applications include:
Californium Production
The element was first produced at the University of California’s Radiation Laboratory in Berkeley. A microgram of curium was bombarded with alpha particles in the lab’s cyclotron to produce 5,000 atoms of the element with a half-life of 44 minutes. Weighable quantities of Cf-252 were later produced in 1954 and, today, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee uses its High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) to produce an average of 25mg of the isotope per year.
Californium-252 (Cf-252) ProductionComplete Guide To Californium-252
To help you better understand our sources and what we do, we have compiled the following glossary to clarify the terms related to californium-252, neutron sources, and neutron radiation, including resources for further exploration into each term.
Californium-252 Complete GuideCalifornium Facts
As a strong neutron emitter, this isotope is a hazardous material to handle, and is rarely found in nature, due to its very short half-life.
Californium Uses