Design, Construction, and Characterization of a Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis Facility at the Oregon State University TRIGA® Reactor PDF Download

Author: Joshua A. Robinson
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Nuclear activation analysis
Languages : en
Pages : 260

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Book Description
In this work a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) facility has been designed, built, and characterized at the Oregon State University TRIGA® reactor. PGNAA is a technique used to determine the presence and quantity of trace elements such as boron, hydrogen and carbon which are more difficult to detect with other neutron analysis methods. In PGNAA, isotopes are subjected to a neutron beam, resulting in the formation of an unstable compound nucleus. The compound nucleus immediately decays, producing a series of gamma-rays, whose energies are distinctive to each element. These gamma-rays are then measured using an HPGe detector to determine the elemental composition of the sample. The measured thermal and epithermal neutron fluxes of the PGNAA facility at Oregon State University are 2.81 x 107 ± 5.13 x 105 cm−2s−1 and 1.70 x 104 ± 3.11 x 102 cm−2s−1 respectively. This gives the facility a cadmium ratio of 106. Measured detection limits for boron, chlorine, and potassium in SRM 1571 orchard leaf standard were, 5.6 x 10−4mg/g, 8.2 x 10−2 mg/g and, 1.0 mg/g respectively. Also, the detection limit for hydrogen in high-density polyethylene is, 6.8 x 10−2mg/g. Detection limits for additional elements are presented in this work.