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%
  • Special Form certification of all Model 10 sources by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
  • Shipping to over 200 countries, excluding embargo list countries
  • NIST traceability

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

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.

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).

  • Container Designs
  • Precisely Engineered Dimensions
Standard Neutron Source Model 10 Drawing

Standard Neutron Source Model 10 Drawing

Details

DimensionsModel 10
Outside diameter0.217/0.218 inch
5.51/5.54mm
Outside length0.975 inch
24.77mm
Inside diameter0.154 inch
3.91mm
Inside length0.75 inch
19.05mm
Maximum content:5 milligrams
Californium-252
DownloadsModel 10

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Standard Neutron Source Model 10S Drawing

Standard Neutron Source Model 10S Drawing

Details

DimensionsModel 10S
Outside diameter0.217/0.218 inch
5.51/5.54mm
Outside length0.470 inch
11.94mm
Inside diameter0.154 inch
3.91mm
Inside length0.24 inch
6.10mm
Maximum content:4 milligrams
Californium-252
DownloadsModel 10S

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Nominal dimensions for the Frontier Technology Corporation Model 10 and 10S sources are shown below:

Source Manufacturing Specifications

Processes PerformedDesign
Manufacturing
Circumferential Seal Welding
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding
ComponentsSource
Inner Capsule
Outer Capsule
FormCalifornium/Palladium Wire or Pellet
IsotopeCalifornium-252
Capsule Material304L Stainless Steel
Zircaloy-2
Metal Alloys
Outside Diameter0.217 to 0.371 in.
5.51 to 9.423 mm
Outside Length0.470 to 1.48 in.
11.94 to 37.59 mm
Inside Diameter0.154 to .235 in.
3.91 to 5.982 mm
Inside Length0.24 to 1.02 in.
6.10 to 30.6 mm
Maximum ContentUp to 5 mg
Standard Tolerance± 10%
Testing ServicesPressurized Helium Leak Test
Alpha, Beta, Gamma Wipe
Inspection ServicesDouble-Blind Inspected
Visual
Ring Gauge
Optical Comparator
Quality AssuranceNIST Traceable
QA Manual
Additional ServicesDocumentation
Integration
Product Design
Project Management
Reverse Engineering
Technical Support
Production VolumePrototype
Production
Lead TimeBased on Inventory and Scheduling
Expedited Services Available
Industries ServedNuclear
Health Physics
Defense
Laboratory
Packaging
Transportation
Medical
Bulk Material (Coal/Cement) Analysis
Oil Well Logging
Power Plants
Homeland Security (Border Crossings/Airports)
Research Projects
Intended ApplicationsCf-252 Neutron Sources
Pins
Analyzers (PGNAA)
Scanners
FTC Shields
Type-A Casks and Shipping Containers
Reactor Start-Up Rods
Industry Standards10CFR50 Appendix B
IAEA Special Form Certification
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC)
NIST Traceable
ISO 2919
ASTM
ANSI
97E6644
97E6X644
97E66543
97E66344

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.

Standard Californium-252 Neutron Sources

Standard Neutron Source Model 100 Drawing

Standard Neutron Source Model 100 Drawing

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Standard Neutron Source Model 100S Drawing

Standard Neutron Source Model 100S Drawing

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Standard Neutron Source Model 100 SNS Drawing

Standard Neutron Source Model 100SNS Drawing

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Nominal dimensions for the Frontier Technology Corporation Model 100 and Model 100S sources are shown below:

Model 100, 100S, and 100SNS Source Dimensions and Drawings

DimensionsModel 100Model 100SModel 100SNS
Outside diameter0.370/0.371 inch0.370/0.371 inch0.370/0.371 inch
9.398/9.423mm9.398/9.423mm9.398/9.423 mm
Outside length 1.48 inches0.97 inch0.77 inch
37.59mm24.6mm19.55 mm
Inside diameter0.234/0.235 inch0.234/0.235 inch0.234/0.235 inch
5.953/5.982mm5.953/5.982mm5.953/5.982 mm
Inside length1.02 inches0.52 inch0.52 inch
30.6mm13.2mm13.2 mm
Maximum content:10 milligrams4 milligrams
Californium-252
DownloadsModel 100 Model 100SModel 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)

Contact us to learn more or to request a free quote!

Source Manufacturing Capabilities
Source Manufacturing Capabilities
Source Manufacturing Capabilities