Neutron-Induced Particle Track Mapping of Elemental Distributions

Abstract

AbstractThermal neutrons are captured by several elements which emit charged particles as reaction products. These particles leave etchable damage tracks in detector materials placed against a sample, creating a map of the distribution and concentration of the target element. The most common applications are for trace U using fission fragment tracks and B using alpha tracks. Li, N and possibly S and O can also be determined. We have applied the technique to B in metals and coatings, Li in Al, N in glass and U in O-ring seals. Dectection limits are better than 10−11g/g for U, 10−9g/g for B, 10−6g/g for Li and 0.1 wt % for N. Spatial resolution for mapping is about 25 μm.