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Neutron activation analysis for 39 elements in small or precious geologic samples

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Abstract

A procedure has been developed for the determination of 39 elements in a single sample of rock or mineral by neutron activation analysis. After the sample has been irradiated with neutrons, it is separated chemically into 12 groups for radioassay with one NaI(Tl) and two Ge(Li) detectors. Three chemists can complete the separations and sample preparations within 7 hrs after the end of the neutron irradiation. Carrier is added and a chemical yield is determined for each element. About two months are required to obtain complete data for a particular sample, but several samples can be analyzed concurrently. In a sample of typical igneous material weighing 0.5 g, half of the elements can be determined to better than ±5 per cent precision and accuracy, and fewer than a fifth with precision and accuracy poorer than ±25 per cent.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA

    R. O. Allen, L. A. Haskin & M. R. Anderson

  2. Max Planck Institute for Nuclear Physics, Heidelberg, Germany

    O. Müller

Authors
  1. R. O. Allen
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  2. L. A. Haskin
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  3. M. R. Anderson
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  4. O. Müller
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Allen, R.O., Haskin, L.A., Anderson, M.R. et al. Neutron activation analysis for 39 elements in small or precious geologic samples. J. Radioanal. Chem. 6, 115–137 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02513905

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02513905

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