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Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Author Spotlight: Technologies and Challenges in Elemental Analysis of Food Samples
Published on: December 22, 2023
Synergistic effect of combining two nondestructive analytical methods for multielemental analysis
Yosuke Toh1, Mitsuru Ebihara, Atsushi Kimura
1Nuclear Science and Engineering Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency , Tokai, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan.
A novel analytical technique combines prompt gamma-ray analysis (PGA) and time-of-flight elemental analysis (TOF) for simultaneous elemental quantification. This new time-of-flight prompt gamma-ray analysis (TOF-PGA) method expands elemental analysis capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear analytical chemistry
- Materials science
- Accelerator physics
Background:
- Traditional prompt gamma-ray analysis (PGA) and time-of-flight elemental analysis (TOF) have limitations in elemental quantification.
- Independent application of PGA and TOF cannot analyze certain samples effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel analytical technique combining PGA and TOF for simultaneous elemental analysis.
- To enable quantification of elemental concentrations in samples not amenable to individual PGA or TOF analysis.
- To assess the effectiveness and capabilities of the new combined technique.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an intense pulsed neutron beam at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex.
- Integrated prompt gamma-ray analysis (PGA) and time-of-flight elemental analysis (TOF) into a single analytical framework.
- Developed a new analytical spectrum, time-of-flight prompt gamma-ray analysis (TOF-PGA), for enhanced quantification.
Main Results:
- Successfully obtained simultaneous results from both PGA and TOF methods.
- Demonstrated the capability of TOF-PGA to quantify elemental concentrations in mixed samples (Ag, Au, Cd, Co, Ta) and Gibeon meteorite.
- Compared analytical capabilities, noting high merits of TOF-PGA in gamma-ray peak selectivity and signal-to-noise ratios.
Conclusions:
- The developed TOF-PGA technique offers significant advantages for elemental analysis.
- The combined method expands the scope of elemental quantification beyond the capabilities of independent PGA and TOF.
- Analytical performance of TOF-PGA is highly promising, though dependent on target and coexisting elements.
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