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Elemental analysis of complexes matrices using charged particle activation

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:7318336

Charged particle activation was found to be a useful technique for multielement analysis of samples with complex matrices. Charged particles ranging in energy from 0.3 to 4.5 MeV were used to induce nuclear resonance reactions, Coulomb excitation, and x-ray emission in both thick and thin targets. The sample target matrix varied from a single element to complex geological and biological matrices. Nuclear reactions induced by protons below 5 MeV were investigated for the elements lithium through calcium in order to determine the conditions necessary to achieve the greatest sensitivity and avoid interfering reactions. Coulomb excitation, although potentially useful for analysis of the heavier elements present as minor constituents in a simple matrix, was found to lack the necessary sensitivity for analysis at the trace level. Particle-induced X-ray emission was found to be a very sensitive method of analysis, particularly when solutions were deposited/extracted onto ion-exchange resin. Both the comparator method and the internal standard technique were used for quantitative analysis. USGS igneous rocks were used as standards in the comparator method in order to determine major, minor and trace element concentrations in meteorites. The geochemical significance of the fluorine concentrations in the meteorites was postulated.

Research Organization:
Virginia Univ., Charlottesville (USA)
OSTI ID:
7318336
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English