Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis of Steel

Abstract

The prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) facility at the Pakistan Research Reactor (PARR-I) has been used for elemental analysis of different kinds of materials. A high-efficiency, high-resolution gamma spectrometer based on a high-purity germanium detector is being employed in this study. The cadmium ratio of the incident neutron beam is 62 and the thermal neutron flux at the target position is about 1.5×10⁶ n/cm²/s. The system is usually operated in Compton suppression mode to enhance peak to background ratio in the lower energy region (<1.5 MeV). The gamma ray detector is calibrated with standard radioactive sources up to 1.5 MeV. The aim of the present study is to determine the quantity of boron in reactor grade steels as well as in some other materials containing boron. The results of boron assessment in SS-304L and amorphous (Fe_0.99Mo_0.01)₇₈Si₉B₁₃ alloy are also presented.