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Epithermal neutron activation analysis and detection limit calculation for trace amounts of thorium at nanogram level, in Israeli geological samples

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Abstract

Trace amounts of thorium in Israeli geological samples were determined by epithermal neutron activation analysis followed by high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. Epithermal neutron irradiation has the advantage of enhancing the production of233Th via the232Th n,γ→ 233Th reaction over that of interfering nuclides which have a lower Io/σo ratio. The delay time between the end of irradiation and the start of measurements was shortened to 1–2 days. Under the experimental conditions described, the detection limit of Th was 3.3±0.7 ng. The method is nondestructive, accurate and highly sensitive.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Soreq Nuclear Research Centre, Yavne, (Israel)

    N. Lavi & E. Ne’eman

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  1. N. Lavi
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  2. E. Ne’eman
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Lavi, N., Ne’eman, E. Epithermal neutron activation analysis and detection limit calculation for trace amounts of thorium at nanogram level, in Israeli geological samples. J. Radioanal. Chem. 78, 327–337 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02530443

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02530443

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