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Estimation of background interference in prompt-gamma neutron activation using MCNP

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Abstract

Prompt-gamma neutron activation (PGNA) is used to measure total-bodynitrogen and hydrogen in humans. Background interference in the gamma spectraarises from both subject and shielding. A Monte Carlo simulation program (MCNP4B2)was used to examine the neutron and gamma signals in the PGNA system ( 241AmBe source). N and H peak regions were assessed in the presenceand absence of calibration phantoms. The simulations suggested extracorporealH peak contributions of up to 30%, depending on subject body habitus. MostN background could be attributed to detector pileup events. The MCNP resultsallowed us to improve shielding design and develop background correction algorithmsto improve measurement precision.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    R. J. Shypailo & K. J. Ellis

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  1. R. J. Shypailo
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  2. K. J. Ellis
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Correspondence to R. J. Shypailo.

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Shypailo, R., Ellis, K.J. Estimation of background interference in prompt-gamma neutron activation using MCNP. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 249, 407–412 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1013282922966

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