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On neutron activation analysis with γγ coincidence spectrometry

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Abstract

A new γγ coincidence system has been set up at NIST. It is operated with a digital data finder supported by new software developed at NIST. The system is used to explore possible enhancements in instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and study applicability to neutron capture prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA). The performance of the system is tested with certified reference materials for efficiency calibration and quantitative performance. Comparisons of INAA results based on conventional gamma-ray spectrometry data with INAA results based on coincidence data obtained from the same samples show improvements in the counting uncertainties and demonstrates the quantitative accuracy of the new system.

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Acknowledgements

We appreciate the financial support by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Sao Paulo, Brazil, enabling the participation of Iberê Souza Ribeiro Junior in these studies.

Disclaimer

Contribution of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, not subject to copyright in the United States. Certain commercial equipment, instruments, or materials are identified in this paper in order to specify the experimental procedure adequately. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by the NIST, nor is it intended to imply that the materials or equipment identified are necessarily the best available for the purpose.

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Correspondence to Rolf Zeisler.

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Zeisler, R., Cho, H., Junior, I.S.R. et al. On neutron activation analysis with γγ coincidence spectrometry. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 314, 513–519 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5342-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-017-5342-7

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