Why is americium-241 useful for measuring the thickness of industrial materials?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

A color-coded periodic table of the elements displays each element's symbol and atomic number, with categories such as alkali metals, noble gases, halogens, transition metals, and actinoid elements distinguished by different background colors. — transuranium element Modern version of the periodic table of the elements (printable).

Americium-241 is highly effective for measuring and controlling the thickness of various industrial materials primarily because it emits gamma radiation with a predominant energy level of 60 keV.12

This specific radiation property allows the isotope to be utilized in industrial thickness gauges, where the interaction of the gamma rays with the material provides precise measurements. Additionally, the isotope is well-suited for these applications due to its long half-life of approximately 432.6 years, which ensures a stable and reliable source of radiation over extended periods.12