Application of intrinsic Ge detectors to the instrumental neutron activation analysis for rare earth elements in rocks and minerals

Abstract

Improvements in the specifications of low-energy, intrinsic Ge detectors have enabled the routine determination of the concentrations in geological samples of eleven rare earth elements, including lanthanum, without using a Ge(Li) detector. The efficiency of an intrinsic Ge detector is compared with a high-efficiency Ge(Li) detector, and a quantitative assessment of the effect of X-ray and gamma-ray interferences is given. Rare earth element abundances in four U. S. G. S. standard rocks have been determined.