Scientific supervisor
| Name | dr hab. Grzegorz Zuzel |
| Email: | grzegorz.zuzel@uj.edu.pl |
| Department | Department of Experimental Computer Physics |
| Laboratory | Low-evel radioactivity laboratory |
| Group webpage |
Short description
Radon (Rn) is a colorless, odorless, non-flammable gas, easily soluble in water as well as in organic solvents. It is a member of the uranium (U-238) chain and the only gaseous radioactive element found in nature. As a gas, it can move easily, and hence its potential danger to our health: from radon comes more than half of the dose received by humans and originating from natural radioactivity. Radon, thanks to its permanent migration into the atmosphere, is a constant component of atmospheric air with concentrations of a few Bq/m3 (in the open air). Concentrations of kBq/m3 or higher, are recorded in basements, caves or mines. Radon daughters are radioactive isotopes of heavy metals (Bi, Pb, Po).
As part of the internship, students will learn the construction and principle of operation of a unique cryogenic radon detector (uses the effect of low-temperature Rn adsorption), constructed at the Institute of Physics of the Jagiellonian University. The device allows detection of decays of single Rn atoms. In addition, compared to other detectors, it also allows simultaneous measurement of the activity of Rn-222 and the short-lived Rn-220 isotope.
Students will carry out measurements of the activity of radon emanated (exhaled) from various material samples. These will mainly be materials and components used in the construction of neutrino and dark matter particle detectors, but it will also be possible to perform measurements, for example, for selected building materials (bricks, hollow blocks, concrete) or others.
Main research tools
- High sensitivity cryogenic Radon detector.
Additional requirements to the candidate
- Basic knowledge about natural radioactivity and dosimetry
Possibility to continue student internship in the form of:
- Diploma thesis (master's or bachelor's degree): Yes
- PhD study: Yes