Oxford Instruments, Inc. of Oak Ridge, Tenn. recently donated an advanced radiological detection system to the health physics department in the UNLV College of Health Sciences. The new Series 5 XLB AlphalBeta Automatic Low Background Analyzer, valued at more than $37,000, was donated through the UNLV Foundation.

According to department chairman Mark Rudin, the new system is a major addition to the department's radioanalytical service laboratory. "The Series 5 is an excellent machine and since Oxford Instruments is well known for their low alpha/beta systems it is safe to say it is top-of-theline in the industry," said Rudin. "UNLV students and faculty are extremely fortunate to have such high quality equipment."

Hugh Hardman, president of Oxford's Nuclear Measurements Group, stated that Oxford Instruments was delighted to have had the opportunity to donate a low background radiation measurement system to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "We are always happy to assist academic institutions and groups with their research and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship with UNLV," Hardman said.

The equipment analyzes environmental samples such as water, vegetation, and soil for alpha and beta-emitting radioactivity. Oxford Instruments recently acquired Tennelec which, for more than 30 years, pioneered the technology of nuclear measurement electronics. As a leader in low background counting, they worked to set the industry standard for system performance, reliability and integrated software solutions.

At UNLV, the Oxford Instruments Series 5 will be used in teaching, to support the radioanalytical laboratory, and for research.

"One of our faculty members, Bill Johnson, has talked to the Las Vegas Valley Water District and other agencies about testing water wells in the valley to help improve the local database on water quality," Rudin explained. "Thanks to this generous gift from Oxford Instruments, there are many such services that UNLV's state licensed radioanalytical laboratory can now provide for the community."