Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Prompt γ-Ray Analysis of Elements Using Cold and Thermal Reactor Guided Neutron Beams

  • Original Papers
  • Published:
Analytical Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Basic examination of elemental analysis by a reactor-neutron-induced prompt γ-ray analysis (PGA) using a system installed at the JRR-3M (upgraded Japan Research Reactor No. 3) cold and thermal neutron beam guides is reported. Analytical sensitivities and detection limits for 71 elements were measured. Boron, Gd, Sm, and Cd are the most sensitive elements with detection limits down to 1 to 7 ng. The decay γ-rays of some elements such as F, Al, V, Eu, and Hf have a higher analytical sensitivity compared to their respective prompt γ-rays. In addition, the analytical sensitivity of several heavy elements through detection of characteristic X-rays was higher than through the prompt y-ray detection. The present system is useful for the determination of, for example, ppb level of B in graphite and Be, ppb level of Gd, Sm, Eu, and Dy in high purity cerium(IV) oxide, and ppm to % level of H and Hf in Zr and zircaloy. This system is also applicable to trace determination of Cd and Hg in environmental samples and also to major and minor elements determination in various kinds of samples that cannot be destroyed or dissolved.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. R. E. Chrien, “Neutron Radiative Capture”, ed. B. J. Allen, I. Bergqvist, R. E. Chrien, D. Gardner and W. P. Poenitz, p. 187, Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1984.

  2. E. T. Jurney, H. T. Motz and S. H. Vegors Jr., Nucl. Phys., A94, 351 (1967).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. M. Spychala, W. Michaelis and H.-U. Fanger, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 112, 331 (1987).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. A. G. Hanna, R. M. Brugger and M. D. Glascock, Nucl. Instrum. Methods, 188, 619 (1981).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. T. Tojo, C. Yonezawa, S. Koura, S. Arai and T. Komori, JAERI-M 8791 (1980).

    Google Scholar 

  6. D. L. Anderson, M. P. Failey, W. H. Zoller, W. B. Walters, G. E. Gordon and R. M. Lindstrom, J. Radioanal. Chem., 63, 97 (1981).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. C. Yonezawa, T. Tojo and T. Komori, Bunseki Kagaku, 35, 782 (1986).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. T. Matsumoto and O. Aizawa, Appl. Radiat. Isot., 41, 897 (1990).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. E. S. Gladney, E. T. Jurney and D. B. Curtis, Anal.Chem., 48, 2139 (1976).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. E. T. Jurney, D. B. Curtis and E. S. Gladney, Anal. Chem., 49, 1741 (1977).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. M. P. Failey, D. L. Anderson, W. H. Zoller, G. E. Gordon and R. M. Lindstrom, Anal. Chem., 51, 2209 (1979).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. C. C. Graham, M. D. Glascock, J. J. Carni, J. R. Vogt and T. G. Spalding, Anal. Chem., 54, 1623 (1982).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. R. Henkelmann and H.-J. Born, J. Radioanal. Chem., 16, 473 (1973).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  14. R. M. Lindstrom, R. Zeisler and M. Rossbach, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 112, 321 (1987).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. S. A. Kerr, R. A. Oliver, P. Vittoz, G. Vivier, F. Hoyler, T. D. MacMahon and N. I. Ward, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 113, 249 (1987).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. T. Kobayashi and K. Kanda, Nucl. Instrum. Methods, 204, 525 (1983).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. R. M. Lindstrom, R. Zeisler, D. H. Vincent, R. R. Greenberg, C. A. Stone, E. A. Mackey, D. L. Anderson and D. D. Clark, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 167, 121 (1993).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. M. Rossbach, Anal. Chem., 63, 2156 (1991).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. C. Yonezawa, M. Hoshi, Y. Ito and E. Tachikawa, in “Proceedings of the Third Asian Symposium on Research Reactor”, ed. Department of Research Reactor, JAERIM 92–028, p. 583 (1992).

    Google Scholar 

  20. C. Yonezawa, A. K. Haji Wood, M. Hoshi, Y. Ito and E. Tachikawa, Nucl. Instrum. Methods. A, in press.

  21. M. A. Lone, R. A. Leavitt and D. A. Harrison, At. Data Nucl. Data Tables, 26, 511 (1981).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. K. Takashima, S. Tamura and K. Watanabe (ed.), JAERI-M 93–013 (1993).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Tokaimura, Ibaraki, 319-11, Japan

    Chushiro Yonezawa

Authors
  1. Chushiro Yonezawa
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Yonezawa, C. Prompt γ-Ray Analysis of Elements Using Cold and Thermal Reactor Guided Neutron Beams. ANAL. SCI. 9, 185–193 (1993). https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.9.185

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2116/analsci.9.185

Keywords

Search

Navigation