Abstract

A neutron lens has been constructed to focus cold neutrons from the exit of a58Ni neutron guide, which delivers a beam to the Prompt-Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA) station at the NIST Cold Neutron Research Facility. The lens compresses a neutron beam of cross section 50 mm× 45 mm onto a focal spot of diameter 0.53 mm (fwhm) wich an average gain of 80 in neutron current density. PGAA measurements have been performed to demonstrate the enhanced sensitivity and detection limits for various elements and the spatial resolution in one transverse dimension. For the two test particles (a gadolinium glass bead and cadmium metal of sizes less than 0.5 mm), the gain in the γ-count rate with the lens is a factor of 60, and the detection limit is improved by a factor of 20. The system can be used for two-dimensional mapping of samples on a sub-millimeter scale to complement other analytical techniques such as neutron depth profiling (NDP).

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.