Neutron Generators for Analytical Purposes

Description

IAEA, Vienna, 2012. — 162 p. (IAEA Radiation Technology Reports Series No. 1 ) This publication addresses recent developments in neutron generator (NG) technology. It presents information on compact instruments with high neutron yield, to be used for neutron activation analysis and prompt gamma neutron activation analysis in combination with high count rate spectrometers. Traditional NGs have been shown to be effective for applications including borehole logging, homeland security, nuclear medicine and the on-line analysis of aluminium, coal and cement. Pulsed fast thermal neutron analysis, as well as tagged and timed neutron analysis, are additional techniques which can be applied using NG. Furthermore, NG can be used effectively for elemental analysis and is effective for analysis of hidden materials by neutron radiography. Useful guidelines for developing NG based research laboratories are also provided in this publication.ContensIntroduction The historical development of neutron generators Analytical application of fast neutron generators Application of prompt gamma neutron activation analysis using radioisotope neutron sources Description and operational requirements of neutron generators Instruments and systems Compact neutron generators Safety and regulations Study of the optimal performance of a neutron activation analysis facility based on a DD neutron generator