Removal of radon progeny from delicate surfaces

Abstract: $\rm ^{210}Po$ $\alpha$-decay driven neutron background is a concern for many low-energy rare event experiments. It is a difficult-to-control background that depends on the air exposure history of parts. In this study we demonstrate that about half of the radon progeny $\rm ^{210}Po$ can be removed from copper and silicon surfaces by wiping it with an acetone wetted tissue. For a copper sample we demonstrate that $\rm ^{210}Pb$ is removed with similar effectiveness. Additional wiping was found to be largely ineffective.