Precision Measurement
How a EU-Turkey Partnership Revolutionized Radiation Science in Turkey
Published: October 15, 2023
Introduction
In a world increasingly concerned with environmental safety and nuclear energy, the ability to measure radiation with pinpoint accuracy has become more critical than ever. Imagine not knowing whether the water you drink or the air you breathe contains dangerous radioactive elements—this was the challenge facing Turkey as it embarked on an ambitious nuclear energy program.
Without precise measurement capabilities, environmental monitoring and radiation safety would be built on uncertain foundations. This article explores how a scientific collaboration between Turkey and the European Union, through the Programme of Pre-accession Assistance "Improving Chemical and Ionising Radiation Metrology" (Project No. TR080209), transformed Turkey's capacity to measure radioactivity with extraordinary precision, enabling safer nuclear power and better environmental protection for its citizens 3 .
The Metrology Project: Building Scientific Bridges
EU's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA)
The European Union's Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) has been instrumental in supporting reforms in enlargement countries since 2007. For the period 2014-2020, Turkey received indicative allocations of €3,533 million (not including Cross-border Cooperation) to support priorities including democracy and governance, rule of law, environment and climate action, and energy 1 .
The IPA III budgetary envelope for 2021-2027 stands at €14.162 billion, continuing this support 2 .
Why Radiation Metrology Matters
Radionuclide metrology—the science of measuring radioactive materials—is fundamental to numerous aspects of modern society:
- Environmental monitoring: Detecting and quantifying radioactive contamination
- Nuclear safety: Ensuring safe operation of nuclear power plants
- Healthcare: Providing accurate dosages for radiation therapy
- Scientific research: Enabling precise measurements in physics and chemistry
€14.162 Billion
IPA III budgetary envelope for 2021-2027 continuing support for enlargement countries 2
The Alpha-particle Counting System: A Marvel of Precision Engineering
The Defined Solid Angle Principle
At the heart of this scientific advancement lies an alpha-particle counting system at a defined solid angle (ACS-DSA). This sophisticated instrument represents one of the most accurate primary standardization methods for alpha-emitting radionuclides and low-energy photon emitters 3 .
The fundamental principle behind the DSA method is elegant in its simplicity: by precisely measuring the solid angle (Ω) between the radioactive source and the detector, scientists can calculate the exact activity of the source without needing calibrated standards or tabulated nuclear data. This makes it a primary measurement method—the gold standard in metrology 3 .
Alpha-particle counting system used in radiation measurement
System Design and Components
The ACS-DSA system designed and constructed at TAEK-SANAEM comprises several crucial components 3 :
| Component | Function | Precision Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Distance tubes | Establish exact source-to-detector distance | Machined to micrometer precision |
| Aperture diaphragm | Defines the solid angle for measurement | Precisely measured diameter |
| Vacuum system | Eliminates air absorption of alpha particles | Maintains pressure below 10â»â´ mbar |
| PIPS detector | Detects and counts alpha particles | >99% detection efficiency for 5.5 MeV alphas |
Inside the Experiment: Standardizing Alpha Emitters Step by Step
Preparation Phase
Scientists must first create a thin, uniform radioactive source—a critical step that requires exceptional skill. The source must be prepared in such a way that self-absorption is minimized through electrodeposition or sublimation techniques 3 .
Source Positioning
The radioactive source is carefully placed in the source chamber at a precisely measured distance from the detector 3 .
Vacuum Establishment
The system is evacuated to eliminate air absorption of alpha particles, achieving pressure below 10â»â´ mbar 3 .
Alpha Counting
The system counts alpha particles emitted in the defined solid angle over a specific time period 3 .
Correction Factors
Scientists apply meticulous corrections for factors such as scattering, source transparency, and angular distribution effects 3 .
Activity Calculation Formula
A = N / (Ω × ε × t)
Where:
- A = Activity of the source (Becquerels)
- N = Number of counts recorded
- Ω = Solid angle (steradians)
- ε = Detection efficiency (close to 1 for alpha particles)
- t = Counting time (seconds) 3
Measurement Uncertainty Budget
Results and Impact: A New Era of Measurement Precision
Validation of the System
The ACS-DSA system achieved remarkable measurement precision with total uncertainties as low as 0.1-0.3%—comparable to established systems at leading metrology institutes worldwide 3 .
The system's performance was tested across various alpha-emitting radionuclides including:
- Americium-241 (²â´Â¹Am): Used in smoke detectors and industrial gauges
- Plutonium-239 (²³â¹Pu): Important for nuclear power and safeguards
- Uranium-238 (²³â¸U): Natural radioactive element
- Radium-226 (²²â¶Ra): Historically used in medicine 3
Standardization Results for Selected Radionuclides
| Radionuclide | Half-Life | Energy (MeV) | Measured Activity (kBq) | Uncertainty (±%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Americium-241 | 432.2 years | 5.486 | 10.152 | 0.15 |
| Plutonium-239 | 24,110 years | 5.156 | 5.873 | 0.18 |
| Uranium-238 | 4.468 billion years | 4.270 | 8.945 | 0.25 |
| Radium-226 | 1,600 years | 4.784 | 12.637 | 0.22 |
The Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Research Reagents and Materials
Research Reagents & Materials
| Reagent/Material | Function |
|---|---|
| High-purity germanium detectors | Gamma-ray spectrometry |
| Liquid scintillation counters | Low-energy radiation measurement |
| Electrodeposition cells | Source preparation |
| Vacuum system components | Maintaining measurement environment |
| PIPS detectors | Alpha particle detection |
| Reference materials | Method validation |
| Ultra-pure acids and chemicals | Source preparation and processing |
Application Examples
- Radionuclide identification and impurity detection
- Tritium and carbon-14 standardization
- Creating thin, uniform radioactive sources
- Creating necessary vacuum for alpha spectrometry
- Counting alpha particles in defined solid angle system
- Ensuring accuracy through comparison with standards
- Minimizing contamination during sample preparation
Broader Implications: Beyond the Laboratory
Strengthening EU-Turkey Scientific Collaboration
The TR080209 project represents more than just technical assistance—it exemplifies how scientific collaboration can build bridges between nations even during politically challenging times.
"The EC has been an important 'agent of change' in Turkish domestic politics, even in times of deteriorating political relations" .
Through projects like this, the European Commission has continued to "increase administrative capacity and policy learning processes within Turkey's bureaucracy, which, in turn, contributed to Ankara's continued harmonization with the EU acquis in some sectors, despite the waning relevance of the EU's conditionality strategy" .
Applications Across Sectors
Conclusion: Measuring for a Safer Future
The Programme of Pre-accession Assistance "Improving Chemical and Ionising Radiation Metrology" in Turkey represents a remarkable convergence of scientific excellence, international cooperation, and strategic development. Through the TR080209 project, Turkish scientists have established capabilities that rival the world's best metrology laboratories, enabling them to precisely measure radioactivity with uncertainties as low as 0.1% 3 .
This achievement demonstrates how scientific collaboration can transcend political challenges and deliver tangible benefits to citizens. As Turkey continues to develop its nuclear energy infrastructure, the ability to accurately measure radiation will ensure that this development proceeds with the highest regard for safety and environmental protection.
Perhaps most importantly, this project exemplifies how investing in fundamental metrology—the science of measurement—creates a foundation for progress across multiple sectors, from healthcare to environmental protection to industrial development. In our increasingly technological world, the ability to measure with precision is indeed the foundation upon which a safer, more sustainable future is built.