PROMPT ACTIVATION ANALYSIS FOR BORON AND LITHIUM,
Abstract
Activation analysis for boron and lithium is not possible in the usual sense because neither one becomes radioactive under neutron irradiation. However, both have large thermalneutron cross sections and activation analysis is pos sible if one measures the prompt particles emitted. Based on an analysis of the several types and sources of radiation which would be experienced, including background, a gas-flow proportional counter was used. The device was calibrated by use of aluminum standards containing known amounts of boron or lithium. The difference in the energy spectra makes it possible to determine the relative amounts of these two elements and, in conjunction with the count rate, to find the concentration of each in aluminum. Approximate analyses of aluminum and graphite unknowns were made in the region of one part per million boron plus lithium. An analysis of background effects indicates that the method should be applicable at concentrations which are at least a factor of ten or one hundred lower. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0428201
Entities
People
- Lincoln Clark Jr.
- Norman C. Rasmussen
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology