The influence of backing and covering materials on the 2π-counting efficiencies of beta-particle sources

Abstract This paper describes Monte Carlo calculations and measurements of 2π-counting efficiencies of various types of beta-particle sources, including the following: (1) sources at the surface of electroplated foils: (2) sources incorporated into surface layers (with a thickness of a few μm) of anodized backing foils: (3) sources sandwiched between a backing foil and a covering mylar layer. The Monte Carlo results also include energy spectra and angular distributions of the emerging beta particles.