Measurement of proton-induced prompt low energy photons by high resolution spectrometry: The analysis of lanthanides

Abstract

Photons below 200 keV excited by protons from 1.8 to 5.4 MeV were measured from the lanthanides. The K X-rays were sufficiently resolved for analysis, and the sensitivity attainable was or the order of 100 μg.g⁻¹. Apart from La and Ce, all the rare earths also yielded low energy gamma-rays suitable for qualitative analysis and for the determination of minor components at concentrations above mg.g⁻¹. Some excitation functions are reported and results are given for test analyses of geological materials.