Introduction of prompt gamma-ray analysis system (PGA) at JRR-3

Osawa, Takahito  

This talk will introduce nondestructive elemental analysis using neutron-induced prompt gamma-ray analysis, which is widely used as a powerful elemental analysis method. This analytical technique uses neutrons. When a sample is irradiated with neutrons, some nuclei in the sample react with the neutrons to produce compound nuclei. The unstable compound nuclei emit gamma-rays instantaneously. This is called prompt gamma-ray. Since the energy of prompt gamma-rays depends on the nuclide that reacts with the neutron, elemental analysis can be performed by measuring the energy spectrum of the emitted gamma-rays with a germanium detector. This analytical method has many excellent features. Elements that are difficult to analyze by other analytical methods, especially boron and hydrogen, can be detected with high sensitivity and the accuracy of analysis is extremely high. Various studies have been conducted using these features, and the range of applications is wide.