Neutron and photon activation analyses of twenty four GSJ and six KIER rock reference samples

Abstract

Fifteen GSJ (Geological Survey of Japan) and six KIER (Korean Institute of Energy and Resources; now Korean Institute of Geology, Mining and Materials, KIGAM) “igneous rock series” and nine GSJ “sedimentary rock series” reference samples were analysed for 21–29 elements by neutron and/or photon activation analysis (NAA and PAA); 14 MeV-NAA for Si and Al, fission track method for U, radiochemical and instrumental NAA for rare earth elements, with reactor neutrons for the latter two. Instrumental neutron and photon AA for the remaining elements were performed with reactor neutrons and bremsstrahlung of end-point energy of 30 MeV, respectively. The reactor irradiations were performed at core sites and also a thermal column of the Kyoto University Research Reactor. All of the radioassays were performed by γ-ray spectrometry with HPGe-detectors. The present results from the different types of irradiation are compared and discussed in terms of elemental abundances and rock types.