Neutron Capillary Optics for Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis
Prompt gamma activation analysis is usually performed with a polychromatic quasi-parallel beam, and preferably with cold neutrons (wavelengths > 0.4 nm) to increase the sensitivity for the detection of trace elements. A cold neutron beam can be focused to an {approx}0.5-mm-wide spot with nearly two orders of magnitude increase in beam current density by using thousands of curved glass capillary fibers, each with thousands of narrow hollow capillaries acting as miniature glass guides. Such an intense probe of cold neutrons can be used to improve both the detection limits of individual elements and the spatial resolution for chemical analysis as a function of position in samples. We have installed a bender-focuser lens at the end of a guide for use on a cold neutron prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) instrument. This paper describes the lens as well as various observations that show gains in sensitivity with its use.
- Research Organization:
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- none (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 786123
- Report Number(s):
- ISSN 0003-018X; CODEN TANSAO; ISSN 0003-018X; CODEN TANSAO; TRN: US0109291
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 2000 Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA (US), 06/04/2000--06/08/2000; Other Information: Transactions of the American Nuclear Society, Volume 82; PBD: 4 Jun 2000
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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