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Development of a simple non-destructive method to quantify low Z elements in ore samples using tantalum as an external current normalizer in external (in-air) PIGE method for Nuclear Forensic applications

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Abstract

External (in-air) Particle Induced Gamma-ray Emission (PIGE) setup of FOlded Tandem Ion Accelerator (FOTIA), Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) was utilized for determining concentrations of low Z elements (Si, Na, Al and F) in geological samples by a simple and novel sample preparation method using thin Mylar films to pack direct solid samples. Low energy proton beam was utilized and the current-normalized count rates of analytes were obtained using the count rate of tantalum, the beam exit window material. Meticulousness of the method was ascertained by analysing different CRMs and compared with conventional pelletisation method. Proposed method was adopted for elemental analysis in uranium ore samples for possible nuclear forensic applications.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. D K Aswal, Director, HS&EG, BARC, Dr. P K Pujari, Former Director, RC&IG, BARC, Head, RCD, Head, RSSD and Head, EMAD for their support and encouragements. Authors thank FOTIA operation members, OIC, FOTIA, Head, FOTIA, Section and AD, MRG and Head, IADD, BARC for their support during experiment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Radiation Safety Systems Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, 400085, Mumbai, India

    Prabhath Ravi K & S Murali

  2. Homi Bhabha National Institute, DAE, 400094, Mumbai, India

    Prabhath Ravi K & Suchismita Mishra

  3. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, 400085, Mumbai, India

    Sathyapriya R Sreejith & Suchismita Mishra

  4. Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, 400085, Mumbai, India

    Vishal Sharma & R Acharya

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  1. Prabhath Ravi K
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Ravi K, P., Sreejith, S.R., Mishra, S. et al. Development of a simple non-destructive method to quantify low Z elements in ore samples using tantalum as an external current normalizer in external (in-air) PIGE method for Nuclear Forensic applications. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 331, 4369–4376 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-022-08506-8

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