Characterization of Multiple Prompt Gamma-ray Analysis (MPGA) system at JAEA for elemental analysis of geological and cosmochemical samples

Islam, M. A.*; Ebihara, Mitsuru*; Toh, Yosuke   ; Murakami, Yukihiro*; Harada, Hideo   

In this study, the MPGA system was characterized for nondestructive multi-element analysis of geological and cosmochemical samples. Among the three offline sorting modes of coincidence data in MPGA, the add-back mode resulted in relatively high analytical sensitivity and the lowest detection limit. The system is highly sensitive to Sm, Gd and Cd. When MPGA detection limits of the studied elements were compared with other cold neutron facilities, MPGA detection limits for Mg, K, S and Cl were improved around one order of magnitude than other facilities under the present experimental conditions, which consists of 8 Clover and BGO detectors. Analysis of the meteorite Orgueil by both MPGA and PGA imply that MPGA can be used for elemental analysis with sufficient accuracy. For some elements (such as Sm, K and Mg) which can Gnot be determined by conventional PGA, due to the spectral interference or lower sensitivity, it was observed that they could be determined accurately (3%) by MPGA.