Measurement Of Hydrogen In Advanced Materials By Cold Neutron Prompt Gamma-ray Activation Analysis

Journal Article · Wed May 24 04:00:00 EDT 2006 · AIP Conference Proceedings

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2213077· OSTI ID:20798719

Paul, Rick L ^[1]

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1. Analytical Chemistry Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899 (United States)

An instrument for cold neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA), located at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR), has proven useful for the measurement of trace hydrogen in advanced materials. Samples are irradiated by a beam of neutrons extracted from the reactor core; gamma rays emitted upon neutron capture are measured by a high purity germanium detector. The detection limit for hydrogen is less than 10 mg/kg for most materials. PGAA has been used to study hydrogen in a wide variety of materials, including titanium alloys, RF superconducting niobium cavities, and semiconductor materials. The technique has also been used to measure hydrogen uptake by solid proton conductors and hydrogen storage materials. A future upgrade to the instrument will improve detection limits and applicability of the method.

• OSTI ID: 20798719
• Journal Information: AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 837; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS
COLD NEUTRONS
GAMMA RADIATION
GAMMA SPECTROSCOPY
HIGH-PURITY GE DETECTORS
HYDROGEN
HYDROGEN STORAGE
IRRADIATION
NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
NEUTRON REACTIONS
NIOBIUM
PROTONS
SEMICONDUCTOR MATERIALS
SENSITIVITY
SOLIDS
TITANIUM ALLOYS