Fractal model of radon emanation from solids

Abstract

A fractal model of radon emanation from solids was developed, based on \ensuremath{\alpha} recoil from the \ensuremath{\alpha} decay of radium. Range straggling of the recoiling radon atoms in the solid state was included and the fractal geometry was employed to describe the roughness of the emanating surface. This allowed derivation for the first time of the relation between the radon emanating power and the specific surface area as measured by the gas adsorption. It is suggested that emanating-power measurements can be used to determine the fractal dimensions of surfaces on the scale from tens to hundreds of nanometers.