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Measurements of Soil Carbon by Neutron-Gamma Analysis in Static and Scanning Modes
Published on: August 24, 2017
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On neutron activation analysis with γγ coincidence spectrometry
Rolf Zeisler1, Hana Cho1,2, Iberê Souza Ribeiro Junior1,3
1Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, MS 8395, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8395, USA.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
|October 24, 2017
Summary
A new gamma-gamma coincidence system at NIST improves instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA). The system demonstrates quantitative accuracy and reduced counting uncertainties for elemental analysis.
Area of Science:
- Nuclear Physics
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) are powerful elemental analysis techniques.
- Conventional gamma-ray spectrometry can be limited by complex spectra and background interferences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a new gamma-gamma coincidence system at NIST.
- To evaluate its performance for instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA).
Main Methods:
- A new digital data finder and software were implemented for the gamma-gamma coincidence system.
- Certified reference materials were analyzed for efficiency calibration and quantitative performance assessment.
Main Results:
- The new system demonstrated improved counting uncertainties in INAA compared to conventional methods.
- Quantitative accuracy was confirmed through comparisons with certified reference materials.
Conclusions:
- The gamma-gamma coincidence system offers significant enhancements for INAA and PGAA.
- The developed system provides accurate and precise elemental quantification.
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