RSS3 – Alpha/Beta/Gamma Set

A compact set of three sealed disc sources—Po‑210 (α), Sr‑90 (β) and Co‑60 (γ)—for demonstrating different radiation types and running basic instrument checks. Standard activities are up to 1 µCi (37 kBq) with a nominal ±20% tolerance; an alternate “UN” configuration uses 0.5 µCi (18.5 kBq) Co‑60 for international customers.

Key features

• Everything you need to compare α, β and γ: Po‑210 (α), Sr‑90 (β) and Co‑60 (γ) supplied as sealed disc sources for quick, repeatable classroom and lab exercises.
• Designed for core demonstrations: penetration & shielding, range in air, inverse‑square behaviour, and detector response across particle types.
• Activity options that fit your lab: Standard set includes Co‑60 at 1 µCi (≈ 37 kBq) and Po‑210/Sr‑90 at 0.1 µCi each (≈ 3.7 kBq). The “UN” set substitutes 0.5 µCi (≈ 18.5 kBq) Co‑60 for certain import/regulatory situations.
• Simple, durable format: sealed 25 mm plastic discs for easy handling and storage in teaching labs.
• Clear tolerances & compliance: labelled activities are typically within ±20%; activities do not exceed U.S. NRC Exempt Quantity limits. (Australian licensing requirements may apply; see Compliance.)

Technical specifications

• Included isotopes & activities (standard RSS3): Co‑60 1 µCi (≈ 37 kBq); Sr‑90 0.1 µCi (≈ 3.7 kBq); Po‑210 0.1 µCi (≈ 3.7 kBq).
• Alternate configuration (RSS3UN): Co‑60 0.5 µCi (≈ 18.5 kBq); Sr‑90 0.1 µCi (≈ 3.7 kBq); Po‑210 0.1 µCi (≈ 3.7 kBq).
• Disc format: sealed plastic discs, 25 mm diameter (easy to handle and compatible with common teaching detectors).
• Activity tolerance: ±20% of labelled activity (typical).
• Calibration: alpha and beta sources are not available for secondary calibration; gamma disc calibration may be available separately on request.
• Typical half‑lives: Po‑210 ≈ 138 days; Sr‑90 ≈ 28.6 years; Co‑60 ≈ 5.27 years (for planning replacements and demonstrations).

Applications

• Teaching & training: demonstrate radiation types, attenuation and inverse‑square law in minutes.
• Radiation protection & QA: quick functional checks and comparative response tests on GM/scintillation probes.
• Introductory nuclear labs: plateau/operating‑voltage studies and count statistics with contrasting emitters.

Compliance & standards

Supplied activities do not exceed the U.S. NRC Exempt Quantity limit. In Australia, ordering, possession and use may require licences/approvals under state/territory radiation regulators and ARPANSA guidance. J3Seven can assist with local compliance documentation.

What’s included

• Three sealed disc sources: Po‑210 (α), Sr‑90 (β), Co‑60 (γ) in selected configuration
• Manufacturer documentation with labelled activities and handling guidance

Options & related products

• Gamma disc secondary calibration: NIST‑traceable secondary calibration may be available for individual gamma discs on request (not available for alpha or beta).
• Related Spectrum Techniques sets: RSS5 (alpha/beta/gamma, five sources) and RSS8 (gamma spectroscopy set).
• Related formats: individual alpha discs; beta/gamma discs; laminate discs and credit‑card laminates.

Maintenance & support

Store and handle in line with your radiation management plan. Note Po‑210’s shorter half‑life (≈ 138 days) when scheduling replacements for teaching labs. J3Seven provides selection help, documentation and after‑sales support.

FAQs

Which isotopes and activities come in the RSS3 set?
Standard: Co‑60 1 µCi (≈ 37 kBq); Sr‑90 0.1 µCi (≈ 3.7 kBq); Po‑210 0.1 µCi (≈ 3.7 kBq). The “UN” set uses 0.5 µCi Co‑60.

Are calibration certificates included?
Alpha and beta discs are not available for secondary calibration. A NIST‑traceable option may be available separately for gamma discs; ask J3Seven.

What disc size is supplied?
The sources are supplied as sealed plastic discs ~25 mm in diameter, suited to common teaching detectors.

Do I need a licence in Australia?
Requirements vary by state/territory and isotope. J3Seven can advise on the typical paperwork and supply manufacturer documentation to support your application.