Zinc Sulphide

[badhorsey]

Does anybody know where I can buy activated zinc sulphide in the UK? I'm trying to build a spinthariscope.

[theprof]

Although they're not in the UK, United Nuclear is probably your best bet for the purchase of a gram or two:

http://unitednuclear....&dfrom=&dto=&x=35&y=9

A quick look through the online catalogues we use at uni and the MOD establishments I work at reveals that at least half a dozen suppliers in the UK have the compound listed in the various metal activated forms. However, they're all prohibitively expensive for a one-off use and I know they wouldn't be prepared to supply a private individual.

[jake-the-peg]

I'm afraid United Nuclear have stopped shipping outside the US

[badhorsey]

Thanks for the responses... I had seen United Nuclear but as you said, they don't ship to the UK. Crystran is interesting but it's not clear whether or not the Zinc Sulphide is metal activated or not - I suspect not. Ideally, I'd like to get hold of the salt itself...

[theprof]

Oops, sorry about that. I've got various United Nuclear chemicals in my uni laboratories and I was unaware they've changed their shipping policies. As I'm a visiting professor in the USA too, I sometimes forget this sort of stuff.

Your best bet now would be to speak to a friendly college lecturer or school science teacher. Most schools and colleges have an account with Fisher Scientific and a 25g vial of 99.99% purity ZnS is currently in stock with them for around £20. Higher purity ZnS is available from other suppliers but it's extremely expensive and is normally only available bona fide scientific establishment account holders.

[theprof]

My laboratory manager suggests trying Apollo Scientific. You may be able to negotiate the supply of a few grams with them:

http://www.apolloscie...lay_item.asp?id=12290

[ChuckFickens]

I'll mention this, but if you do decide to try it you do so at your own risk!

The insides of old CRT television tubes are coated with silver activated zinc sulphide and it's fairly easy to scrape off, so an old television could provide you with what you want.

Of course how you get access to it (i.e. break the tube) is down to you but please try not to either electrocute yourself or get glass slivers embedded in you!

[Beswad]

You might be interested to know there is a listing for Zinc Sulphide on Ebay @ £25 for 6oz.

[BillyBB]

http://www.fineartrad...r/spinthariscope.html

[peter_jameson]

You can buy a small ZnS:Ag screen for your spinthariscope on eBay. I bought one and made a spinthariscope and it works a treat. The screen needs to be set about 7mm above your alpha source and you will need a good magnifying lens. Your eyes will need to accommodate to at lease half an hour in total darkness before it will become visible.

Peter