Determination of trace levels of oxygen by gamma-photon activation

Abstract

A sensitive activation technique for the determination of trace levels of oxygen in a wide range of materials is described with particular emphasis on the γ-irradiation facilities at AERE Harwell and experience of the use of the technique over a number of years. Procedures for removing surface oxygen contamination prior to determination of bulk oxygen concentrations are given, together with details of the radiochemical separation procedures used for a wide range of materials, and examples of the results obtained.