Neutron radiative capture methods for surface elemental analysis

J.I. Trombka; F. Senftle; R. Schmadebeck

doi:10.1016/0029-554x(70)90880-3

Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · 70010190

Neutron radiative capture methods for surface elemental analysis

J.I. Trombka·F. Senftle·R. Schmadebeck

View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Both an accelerator and a 252 Cf neutron source have been used to induce characteristic gamma radiation from extended soil samples. To demonstrate the method, measurements of the neutron-induced radiative capture and activation gamma rays have been made with both Ge(Li) and NaI(Tl) detectors, Because of the possible application to space flight geochemical analysis, it is believed that NaI(Tl) detectors must be used. Analytical procedures have been developed to obtain both qualitative and semiquantitative results from an interpretation of the measured NaI(Tl) pulse-height spectrum. Experiment results and the analytic procedure are presented.

Explore related subjects

Nuclear Instruments and Methods Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeX RIS

J.I. Trombka, F. Senftle, R. Schmadebeck. 1970. Neutron radiative capture methods for surface elemental analysis. https://doi.org/10.1016/0029-554x(70)90880-3

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS1982

Gamma-emitting radionuclide measurements at the US geological survey national water quality laboratory, Denver, Colorado

Like sediment samples from Scofield Resevior in Utah were analyzed for 210Pb by the gamma-ray spectrometric method. The top 10 cm of surface sediment yielded excess 210Pb activity (excluding in situ 226Ra supported 210Pb) of 1.05 pCi/g dry weight and decreased to 0.25 pCi/g at a depth of 25 cm. Based on these data, sedimentation rate was approximately 0.49 cm/y for a total of 30 cm of lake sediment and a lake history of approximately 60 y. An alternative method of 210Pb measurements using wet chemical procedures followed by beta counting gave equivalent results. ?? 1982.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods↗

USGS1981

Trace elemental analysis of bituminuos coals using the Heidelberg proton microprobe

Trace elements in coal can occur as components of either the organic constituents (macerals) or the inorganic constituents (minerals). Studies of the concentrations and distribution of the trace elements are vital to understanding the geochemical millieu in which the coal was formed and in evaluating the attempts to recover rare but technologically valuable metals. In addition, information on the trace element concentrations is important in predicting the environmental impact of burning particular coals, as many countries move toward greater utilization of coal reserves for energy production. Traditionally, the optical and the electron microscopes and more recently the electron microprobe have been used in studying the components of coal. The proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) microprobe offers a new complementary approach with an order of magnitude or more better minimum detection limit. We present the first measurements with a PIXE microprobe of the trace element concentrations of bituminous coal samples. Elemental analyses of the coal macerals-vitrinite, exinite, and inertinite-are discussed for three coal samples from the Eastern U.S.A., three samples from the Western U.S.A., and one sample from the Peoples Republic of China. ?? 1981.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods↗

USGS1979

Determination of the optimum-size californium-252 neutron source for borehole capture gamma-ray analysis

The fast- and thermal-neutron fluence rates from a 3.7 ??g 252Cf neutron source in a simulated borehole have been measured as a function of the source-to-detector distance using air, water, coal, iron ore-concrete mix, and dry sand as borehole media. Gamma-ray intensity measurements were made for specific spectral lines at low and high energies for the same range of source-to-detector distances in the iron ore-concrete mix and in coal. Integral gamma-ray counts across the entire spectrum were also made at each source-to-detector distance. From these data, the specific neutron-damage rate, and the critical count-rate criteria, we show that in an iron ore-concrete mix (low hydrogen concentration), 252Cf neutron sources of 2-40 ??g are suitable. The source size required for optimum gamma-ray sensitivity depends on the energy of the gamma ray being measured. In a hydrogeneous medium such as coal, similar measurements were made. The results show that sources from 2 to 20 ??g are suitable to obtain the highest gamma-ray sensitivity, again depending on the energy of the gamma ray being measured. In a hydrogeneous medium, significant improvement in sensitivity can be achieved by using faster electronics; in iron ore, it cannot. ?? 1979 North-Holland Publishing Co.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods↗