Multiple Nuclides Research Articles

Preparation and irradiation stability of A2B2O7 pyrochlore high-entropy ceramic for immobilization of high-level nuclear waste

The high-entropy pyrochlores have attracted increasing attention due to their ability to immobilize multiple nuclides simultaneously, compared with baseline single-component pyrochlores. In this work, nine kinds of multicomponent oxide ceramics are synthesized and eight of them exhibit a single pyrochlore phase. In addition, the ratio of rA to rB of high-entropy pyrochlore Gd2(Ti0.25Zr0.25Hf0.25Ce0.25)2O7 is 1.4499, this one observation suggests that for high-entropy pyrochlore, the rA/rB limit of pyrochlore phase is different from that of single-component pyrochlore (1.46 < rA/rB < 1.78). In order to evaluate the radiation resistance of high-entropy pyrochlores, four typical samples were irradiated by 800 keV Kr2+ ions beam. The GIXRD results show that all the high-entropy pyrochlores only undergo a phase transition from an ordered pyrochlore structure to a disordered fluorite structure (O-D transition) at the highest irradiation dose (∼ 40 dpa) in this study, instead of being amorphous. For (Sm0.5Gd0.5)2(Ti0.25Zr0.25Hf0.25Ce0.25)2O7 and (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Eu0.2Gd0.2)2(Ti0.25Zr0.25Hf0.25Ce0.25)2O7, phase separation appears after irradiation. The results from the first principles calculations confirm that Gd2(Ti0.25Zr0.25Hf0.25Ce0.25)2O7 exhibits stronger radiation resistance than the corresponding single pyrochlores, which agrees with the irradiation experiment result. This study demonstrates that the high-entropy pyrochlores exhibit excellent irradiation stability and can be considered as the potential matrix material for immobilization of high-level nuclear waste.

DFT+U study and in-situ TEM investigation of high-entropy titanate pyrochlore (Lu0.25Y0.25Eu0.25Gd0.25)2Ti2O7

High-entropy pyrochlore has become a promising immobilization matrix due to its ability to immobilize multiple nuclides especially for high-level radioactive waste. This work adopts first principle method to analyze the formation possibility of (Lu0.25Y0.25Eu0.25Gd0.25)2Ti2O7 (HTP-1). By calculating the Gibbs free energy of possible chemical reactions, we predict that the driving force to synthesize HTP-1 is greater than the driving force to form single-component pyrochlore at temperatures above 1225 K. The characterization results show that the HTP-1 sample is successfully prepared by the solid-state reaction at the predicted temperature. To investigate the radiation resistance of HTP-1, the sample is irradiated by 800 keV Kr2+ ions, and the microstructure evolution is characterized by in-situ TEM. HTP-1 sample achieves complete amorphous at 0.26 dpa, indicating that its radiation resistance is between Eu2Ti2O7 and Y2Ti2O7, which is proved by the calculation results of xO48f and antisite defect formation energy.

Compton imaging for medical applications

Compton imaging exploits inelastic scattering, known as Compton scattering, using a Compton camera consisting of a scatterer detector in the front layer and an absorber detector in the back layer. This method was developed for astronomy, and in recent years, research and development for environmental and medical applications has been actively conducted. Compton imaging can discriminate gamma rays over a wide energy range from several hundred keV to several MeV. Therefore, it is expected to be applied to the simultaneous imaging of multiple nuclides in nuclear medicine and prompt gamma ray imaging for range verification in particle therapy. In addition, multiple gamma coincidence imaging is expected to be realized, which allows the source position to be determined from a single coincidence event using nuclides that emit multiple gamma rays simultaneously, such as nuclides that emit a single gamma ray simultaneously with positron decay. This review introduces various efforts toward the practical application of Compton imaging in the medical field, including in vivo studies, and discusses its prospects.

Study on Uncertainty Analysis Method of Fast Reactor Based on Covariance Matrix Sampling

The uncertainty analysis methods based on traditional statistical sampling have received widespread attention in China and other countries due to their simple algorithms, easy realization of codes, and consideration of high-order effects. However, these methods usually require a large number of samples to ensure the calculation accuracy of response variables. As found in the study, this phenomenon occurs because of the poor quality of the samples. After a covariance matrix sampling is used instead of the traditional sampling method, a small sample size can also ensure a high calculation accuracy. This paper firstly demonstrates theoretically the feasibility of the covariance matrix sampling method, and verifies it with simple tests. On this basis, this paper, using the self-developed fast spectrum reactor sensitivity and uncertainty analysis code - SUFR and the international reference configuration for fast reactor ZPR-6/7, calculates the uncertainty of effective multiplication factor (keff) caused by the nuclear cross sections of different reaction types of multiple nuclides, and compares the calculation results with the uncertainty calculated using the deterministic method. As demonstrated by the results, if the covariance matrix sampling is used, with a sample size of 50, the uncertainty deviation calculated in the two methods each is below 1.3%. This indicates that the use of the covariance matrix sampling method can solve the problems present in the use of the traditional sampling method to calculate uncertainty, and that it is appropriate to develop the SUFR code function against the covariance matrix sampling. This method represents a further development of the traditional sampling method.

Uncertainty Propagation in SINBAD Fusion Benchmarks with Total Monte Carlo and Imprecise Probabilities

In this paper we perform nuclear data uncertain propagation with Total Monte Carlo, where the transport simulation is repeated for random evaluations of the data. The Oktavian Iron, Oktavian Nickel, and the Frascati Neutron Generator (FNG) neutron streaming SINBAD benchmarks were evaluated with OpenMC. Gaussian random deviates were drawn from the ENDF/B-VII.1 and TENDL-2017 libraries where the covariances were available. Uncertainty from multiple nuclides was propagated simultaneously assuming inter-nuclide independence. When the individual statistical uncertainty is negligible compared to the data uncertainty, then standard probability theory may be applied. If this is not the case and both need to be considered, we use Imprecise Probabilities (IP) to perform further analysis. We show how uncertain experimental data may be compared to uncertain simulation in the context of IP, and show how an uncertainty-based sensitivity analysis can be performed with IP.

10Be Signature of the Cosmic Ray Event in the 10th Century CE in Both Hemispheres, as Confirmed by Quasi‐Annual 10Be Data From the Antarctic Dome Fuji Ice Core

AbstractCosmogenic nuclides are good indicators of past cosmic ray events and variations. To verify such phenomena, it is important to evaluate them using multiple nuclides from different archives. The cosmic ray event in 993–994 Common Era (CE) has already been confirmed with 14C and 10Be data, which show rapid increases in the concentrations. However, the 10Be data were obtained from the Greenland ice cores in the Northern Hemisphere. To investigate the extent of the 10Be increase in the Southern Hemisphere, we measured quasi‐annual 10Be concentrations between 980 and 1,011 CE in the Antarctic Dome Fuji ice core. We observed a ~50% increase in 10Be concentration around 994 CE, consistent with the Greenland data. Increases in 10Be concentrations in both hemispheres support a solar origin of the 994‐CE event. In addition, we propose a method of evaluating the so‐called “system effect” for 10Be deposition by extracting common components from 10Be and Na+ data.

Handling Overdispersion in CRONUS-Earth Intercomparison Measurements: A Bayesian Approach

AbstractThe recently completed CRONUS-Earth project broadly studied the production systematics of terrestrial in-situ cosmogenic nuclides and also incorporated an intercomparison study in which multiple labs measured various nuclides in homogenized geologic materials. Aliquots of these materials were measured in several labs for multiple nuclides, and the results combined to determine benchmark, consensus values. Results for some of these samples exhibited overdispersion, meaning that the measurements from the various labs differed by more than we would expect, given the quoted uncertainties. A traditional way to handle overdispersion is to add an extra amount to the variance of each lab. Another approach is to use a method that identifies potential outliers and then gives the outliers less weight in determining the final answer. A group of such methods is based on Bayesian thinking; one relatively simple member of this group was first proposed by Press (1997). We review the Press method and then apply it to the CRONUS data sets. We compare these results to those obtained by the added variance method and discuss the implications.

Development of the modified sum-peak method and its application

As the sum-peak method requires the total count rate as well as the peak count rates and the sum peak count rate, this meets difficulties when a sample contains other radionuclides than the one to be measured. To solve the problem, a new method using solely the peak and the sum peak count rates was developed. The method was theoretically and experimentally confirmed using 60Co, 22Na and 134Cs. We demonstrate that the modified sum-peak method is quite simple and practical and is useful to measure multiple nuclides.

The CRONUS-Earth Project: A synthesis

Geological surface-exposure dating using cosmogenic-nuclide accumulation became a practical geochronological endeavor in 1986, when the utility of 10Be, 26Al, 36Cl, and 3He were all demonstrated. In response to the lack of a common basis for quantifying analytical consistency and calibrating cosmogenic-nuclide production, the CRONUS-Earth Project in the U.S. was started in 2005, along with a European partner project, CRONUS-EU. The goal of the CRONUS-Earth Project was to improve the accuracy and precision of terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide dating in general, focusing especially on nuclide production rates and their variation with altitude, latitude, and time, and to attempt to move from empirically based methods to ones with a stronger basis in physics. The CRONUS-Earth Project conducted extensive intercomparisons of reference materials to attempt to quantify analytical reproducibility at the community level. We found that stated analytical uncertainties nearly always underestimate the actual degree of variability, as quantified by the over-all coefficient of variation of the intercalibration data. The average amount by which the actual coefficient of variation exceeded the analytical uncertainty was a factor of two (100%), but ranged from 15% to 300% depending on the nuclide and material. Coefficients of variation ranged from 3−4% for 10Be to 6–8% for 36Cl, 14C, and 21Ne, to 5–11% for 26Al. Both interlaboratory bias and within-laboratory excess spread of the data played a role in increasing variability above the stated analytical uncertainties. The physical basis for cosmogenic nuclide production was investigated through numerical modeling and the measurement of energy-dependent neutron cross sections for nuclide interactions. We formulated new, physically based, scaling models, denoted LSD and LSDn, by generalizing global numerical simulations of cosmic-ray processes. The CRONUS-Earth Project identified new geological calibration sites, including one at low latitude and high elevation (Huancané, Peru), and replicated nuclide measurement at numerous laboratories. At many sites multiple nuclides were measured, providing much more confidence in the equivalence of surface-exposure ages calculated from differing nuclides. The data were interpreted using an original cosmogenic-nuclide calculator, CRONUScalc, that incorporates the new physically based scaling. The new data and model produced significantly better fits than previous efforts, but do not fully resolve apparent spatial variations in production rates. The CRONUS-Earth and CRONUS-EU Projects have provided a firm foundation for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of cosmogenic-nuclide analytical methods, adjusted the AMS standards for 10Be and consequently revised the half-life, and have provided improved calibration data sets and interpretative tools.

Explanation of the Table of Nuclides: Qualitative Nuclear Mechanics From a NLHV Design

It has long been expected in physics that there should be causality from the strong nuclear force to nuclear structures, but the mechanisms have been unknown. The present work addresses this problem, by developing a theory based on a non-local hidden-variable (NLHV) design, that explains the nuclides from the synchronous interaction (strong force) upwards. The basis of the Cordus nuclear theory is that the nucleus consists of a nuclear polymer bonded by the synchronous interaction. Three-nucleon physics are accommodated, in the form of bridge neutrons across the nuclear polymer. The requirements for nuclide stability are identified as the need to have a nuclear polymer that consists entirely of cis-phasic synchronous bonds, and also a spatially viable layout. Only certain identified layouts are viable. The Cordus nuclear theory successfully explains, for all nuclides from Hydrogen to Neon, why any nuclide is stable, unstable, non-viable or non-existent. It explains why some elements have multiple nuclides, and others only one. The theory also explains the deviations from the p = n line, why 1 H 0 and 2 He 1 are stable with low neutron counts, why 4 Be 4 and 9 F 9 are unstable, and why heavier elements require more neutrons than protons for stability. It explains relative stability (lateral trends within one nuclide series), including the anomalous progressions (i.e. those situations where one nuclide is unexpectedly much more or less stable than its neighbouring nuclides). The theory also explains why the limits of stability are where they are. It explains the patterns of stability in the table of nuclides, such as the runs of stable isotopes and stable isotones. Thus the nuclide landscape may be explained by morphological considerations based on a NLHV design.

Activity measurements of a suite of radionuclides (241Am, 239,240Pu, 238Pu, 238U, 234U, 235U, 232Th, 230Th, 228Th, 228Ra, 137Cs, 210Pb, 90Sr and 40K) in biota reference material (Ocean Shellfish): CCRI(II)-S3

In 2005, the CCRI decided that a comparison undertaken from 2002 to 2008 by the NIST (under the auspices of the Inter-America Metrology System [SIM]) in the development of a new biota (Ocean Shellfish) standard reference material (SRM) was sufficiently well constructed that it could be converted into a supplementary comparison under CCRI(II), with comparison identifier CCRI(II)-S3. This would enable the comparison to be used to support calibration and measurement capability (CMC) claims for radionuclide measurements in reference materials (specifically, animal-based organic materials). Previous comparisons of radionuclides have been of single or multiple nuclides in non-complex matrices and results of such could not be extended to support capabilities to measure the same nuclides in reference materials. The results of this comparison have been used to determine the certified reference value of the SRM. The key comparison working group (KCWG) of the CCRI(II) has approved this approach as a mechanism to link all the results to certified 'reference values' in lieu of the key comparison reference value (KCRV) of these specified radionuclides in this type of matrix (shellfish) so as to support CMCs of similar materials submitted by the present participants.Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Activity measurements of a suite of radionuclides (90Sr, 137Cs, 210Pb, 210Po, 228Ra, 234U, 235U, 238U, 238Pu, 239,240Pu) in soil reference material (Rocky Flats II): CCRI(II)-S2

In 2005, the CCRI decided that a comparison undertaken from 2002 to 2007 by the NIST (SIM) in the development of a new soil (Rocky Flats II) standard reference material (SRM) was sufficiently well constructed that it could be converted into a supplementary comparison under CCRI(II), with comparison identifier CCRI(II)-S2, so as to support calibration and measurement capability (CMC) claims for radionuclide measurements in reference material (specifically, low calcium-content soils). Previous comparisons of radionuclides have been of single or multiple nuclides in non-complex matrices and results of such could not be extended to support capabilities to measure the same nuclides in reference materials. The results of this comparison have been reported to the participants, and have been used to determine the certified reference value of the SRM. The key comparison working group (KCWG) of the CCRI(II) has approved this approach as a mechanism to link all the results to certified 'reference values' in lieu of the key comparison reference value (KCRV) of these specified radionuclides in this type of matrix (soil) so as to support CMCs of similar materials.Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report.Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI Section II, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

In the Pursuit for Better Actinide Ligands: An Efficient Strategy for their Discovery

A novel method for the efficient discovery of new types of minor actinide (MA) ligands is based on the unique combination of "tea bag" split pool combinatorial chemistry and screening based on the inherent radioactivity of the complexed cations. Four multicoordinating Am(3+) chelating groups, such as CMPO (diphenylcarbamoylmethyl)phosphine oxide), PICO (picolinamide), DGA (N,N'-dimethyldiglycoldiamide), and MPMA (N-methyl-N-phenylmalonamide), on a trityl platform immobilized on TentaGelS served as a model library for the development of the screening method. This model library was screened under various conditions (i.e., 0.001 M < or = [HNO3] < or = 3 M, NaNO3 < or = 4 M, and [Eu] < or = 10 x [ligand]) showing competitive extraction of the four ligands. Other libraries of 9 and 72 members were synthesized by functionalization of the trityl platform with ligating groups that are composed of four building blocks (including at least one amide and one (phosphoric) hydrazone moiety). The screening of these two libraries resulted in the discovery of two multicoordinate ligands that contain ligating groups previously not known to complex Am(3+). Both are N-isopropyl amides terminated with a p-methoxyphenyl hydrazide (A2B1C1D10 K(D(Am)) = 2197) or a p-nitrophenyl hydrazide (A2B1C1D11 K(D(Am)) =1989) moiety, respectively. They are more efficient than the immobilized tritylCMPO ligand (K(D(Am)) = 1280) at 3 M HNO3. This method has the advantages of a high analytical sensitivity and the direct comparison of the extraction results. The method also allows the competitive screening of multiple nuclides which can be quantified by their radioactive emission spectrum.

Activity measurements of a suite of radionuclides (40K, 137Cs, 210Pb, 210Po, 228Ra, 232Th, 234U, 235U, 238U, 238Pu, 239Pu, 239+240Pu, 241Am) in vegetal reference material (seaweed)

In 2005, the CCRI decided that a comparison undertaken from 2002 to 2005 by the NIST (SIM) in the development of a new seaweed standard reference material (SRM) was sufficiently well constructed that it could be converted into a supplementary comparison under CCRI(II), with comparison identifier CCRI(II)-S1, so as to support calibration and measurement capability (CMC) claims for radionuclide measurements in reference material (specifically, plant material). Previous comparisons of radionuclides have been of single or multiple nuclides in non-complex matrices and results of such could not be extended to support capabilities to measure the same nuclides in reference materials. The results of this comparison have been reported to the participants, and were also used to determine the certified reference values of the SRM. The key comparison working group (KCWG) of the CCRI(II) has approved this approach as a mechanism to link all the results to the certified 'reference values' in lieu of the key comparison reference value (KCRV) of these specified radionuclides in this type of matrix (vegetative) so as to support CMCs of similar materials.Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report.Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI Section II, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).

Terrestrial Cosmogenic Nuclides as Paleoaltimetric Proxies

The production rates of terrestrial in situ cosmogenic nuclides depend on the altitude and can therefore be used to constrain paleoaltitudes if the history of cosmogenic-nuclide production in a region can be constrained. This chapter discusses the theory behind cosmogenic-nuclide paleoaltimetry, sampling strategies, and practical limitations of the technique. Three exposure scenarios may allow for the calculation of past altitudes: 1) exposure for a finite time period at a single elevation and without erosion or burial, followed by immediate shielding from further production of cosmogenic nuclides; 2) steady uplift of a surface throughout nuclide production, without erosion or burial; and 3) exposure of a sample without erosion or burial for a sufficient duration that the concentration of a cosmogenic radionuclide has reached equilibrium. To constrain paleoelevation, all exposure scenarios require independent evidence of the depth-history of a sample during exposure to cosmic rays because production rates attenuate rapidly in rock. Depth profiles and measuring multiple nuclides allow for better constraints of parameters in paleoaltitude calculations.

Denudation rates and a topography-driven rainfall threshold in northern Chile: Multiple cosmogenic nuclide data and sediment yield budgets

The quantification of geomorphic process rates on the outcrop- and the orogen-scale is important to describe accurately the interaction between the relative effects of erosion, tectonics and climate on landscape evolution. We report single and paired cosmogenic nuclide ( 10Be, 26Al and 21Ne) derived erosion rates and exposure ages on hillslope interfluves from the tectonically active western central Andes that show a distinct spatial variation. A positive correlation of erosion rates with elevation and present-day rainfall rates is observed. Erosion rates at lower altitudes–the hyperarid Coastal Cordillera and the Western Escarpment with the northern part of the Atacama Desert–are extremely low and of the order of 10–100 cm/My (nominal exposure ages 1–6 My). In contrast, erosion rates at higher altitudes–the semiarid Western Cordillera–range up to 4600 cm/My (nominal exposure ages 0.02–0.1 My). This latter average long-term bedrock erosion rate record, suggested to be coupled to an orographically controlled pattern of rainfall, is also reflected in the pattern of denudation rates derived from a short-term decadal record of limited sediment yield data. Specifically, denudation rates calculated from sediment flux data are of a similar order of magnitude as erosion rates deduced from long-lived cosmogenic nuclides from bedrock hillslope interfluves of the Western Cordillera. Nevertheless, the production and the supply of sediment from the western Andean slope are very limited. Analysis of multiple cosmogenic nuclides allows simultaneous determination of erosion rates and exposure ages but also reveals complex exposure histories of non-bedrock samples, such as boulders or amalgamated clast samples. Notably, this study shows that saturation of nuclides, usually assumed in studies where only a single nuclide is analyzed, is rather the exception than the rule, as revealed by erosion island plots. Constant erosion that started much later than the formation age of the rocks or episodic erosion by spalling can partially explain non-steady-state concentrations and more complicated exposure scenarios. Furthermore, the use of multiple nuclides with different half-lives allowed us to infer that no significant variations in long-term erosion rates have occurred and that at the Western Escarpment erosion rates have been low and constant for most of the late Neogene . Nevertheless, the time intervals necessary to reach steady-state concentrations for cosmogenic nuclides can be quite different from those needed for landscapes to reach steady state.

Terrestrial in situ cosmogenic nuclides: theory and application

The cosmogenic nuclide exposure history method is undergoing major developments in analytical, theoretical, and applied areas. The capability to routinely measure low concentrations of stable and radioactive cosmogenic nuclides has led to new methods for addressing long-standing geologic questions and has provided insights into rates and styles of surficial processes. The different physical and chemical properties of the six most widely used nuclides: 3He, 10Be, 14C, 21Ne, 26Al, and 36Cl, make it possible to apply the surface exposure dating methods on rock surfaces of virtually any lithology at any latitude and altitude, for exposures ranging from 10 2 to 10 7 years. The terrestrial in situ cosmogenic nuclide method is beginning to revolutionize the manner in which we study landscape evolution. Single or multiple nuclides can be measured in a single rock surface to obtain erosion rates on boulder and bedrock surfaces, fluvial incision rates, denudation rates of individual landforms or entire drainage basins, burial histories of rock surfaces and sediment, scarp retreat, fault slip rates, paleoseismology, and paleoaltimetry. Ages of climatic variations recorded by moraine and alluvium sediments are being directly determined. Advances in our understanding of how cosmic radiation interacts with the geomagnetic field and atmosphere will improve numerical simulations of cosmic-ray interactions over any exposure duration and complement additional empirical measurements of nuclide production rates. The total uncertainty in the exposure ages is continually improving. This article presents the theory necessary for interpreting cosmogenic nuclide data, reviews estimates of parameters, describes strategies and practical considerations in field applications, and assesses sources of error in interpreting cosmogenic nuclide measurements. TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Introduction 1.1. Development of the TCN methods 1.2. Applications of TCN Exposure methods 1.3. Previous reviews 2. Glossary 2.1. Terminology 2.2. Notation 3. Principles 3.1. Introduction 3.1.1. Source of the primary radiation 3.1.2. Effects of the geomagnetic field on GCR 3.1.3. Trajectory models and models of secondary nuclide production rates 3.1.4. Recent numerical models of GCR particle production 3.1.5. Nuclide production from primary GCR 3.1.6. TCN production by energetic nucleons 3.1.7. TCN production by low-energy neutron 3.1.8. TCN production by muons 3.1.9. Factors limiting TCN applications 3.2. Numerical simulation of low-energy neutron behavior 3.3. Analytical equations for TCN production 3.3.1. Fast neutron (Spallation) production 3.3.2. Production by epithermal neutrons 3.3.3. Production by thermal neutrons 3.3.4. Production by muons and muon-derived neutrons 3.3.5. Total nuclide production 3.4. Energetic neutron attenuation length 3.5. Temporal variations in production rates 3.5.1. Variations in the primary GCR flux 3.5.2. Variations due to solar modulation of the magnetic field 3.5.3. Effects of the geomagnetic field 3.5.4. Variations in atmospheric shielding 3.5.5. Other sources of temporal variations in production 3.6. Estimation of production rates 3.6.1. Helium-3 3.6.2. Beryllium-10 3.6.3. Carbon-14 3.6.4. Neon-21 3.6.5. Aluminum-26 3.6.6. Chlorine-36 3.7. Scaling and correction factors for production rates 3.7.1. Spatial scaling 3.7.2. Topographic shielding 3.7.3. Surface coverage 3.7.4. Sample thickness 3.7.5. Thermal neutron leakage 3.8. Exposure dating with a single TCN 3.9. Exposure dating with multiple nuclides 3.10. Nuclide-specific considerations 3.10.1. Helium-3 3.10.2. Beryllium-10 3.10.3. Carbon-14 3.10.4. Neon-21 3.10.5. Aluminum-26 3.10.6. Chlorine-36 3.11. TCN dating of sediment 4. Sampling strategies 4.1. Field sampling considerations 4.1.1. Sample description 4.1.2. Sampling methodology 4.2. Other lithological considerations 4.3. How much sample is needed? 4.4. Strategies for concentration-depth profiles 5. Sample preparation and experimental data interpretation 5.1. TCN sample preparation 5.1.1. Preparation time 5.1.2. Physical and chemical pretreatment 5.1.3. Isotopic extraction 5.2. Experimental data interpretation 6. Uncertainty and sources of error 6.1. Sources of error 6.1.1. Sample characteristics 6.1.2. Sample preparation and elemental analyses 6.1.3. Mass spectrometry 6.1.4. Systematic errors 6.2. Reporting the uncertainty 6.2.1. Error propagation 6.2.2. Evaluating accuracy by intercomparison 6.2.3. Multiple sample measurements 6.2.4. Sensitivity analysis 7. Directions of future contributions Acknowledgements References

Performance comparison of a new approach to nuclear spectral analysis with commercial codes

The performance of a new approach to nuclear spectral analysis was compared with two widely accepted commercial codes. The comparison measured the new approach's ability to determine the presence and activity of multiple nuclides in spectra dominated by natural background. The new approach is implemented in the spectral analysis software, RobWin/sup TM/. Ten calibration sources ranging in activity from 25 to 450 kBq were placed 20.5 meters from a bare, 100% relative-efficient high purity Ge gamma-ray detector, thus assuring dominance of the natural background radiation over the test nuclides. Accumulated spectra were recorded at ever-doubling time intervals from 225 seconds to 128 hours. All spectra were analyzed by each code according to a defined procedure designed to achieve the best results from the comparator codes. The results from all codes were in general agreement for most nuclides where acquisition times were long, but RobWin's performance was significantly superior for short counting times.

Determining multiphase saturation by NMR imaging of multiple nuclides : Harold J Vinegar, Pierre Tutunjian assigned to Shell Oil Company

Determining multiphase saturation by NMR imaging of multiple nuclides : Harold J Vinegar, Pierre Tutunjian assigned to Shell Oil Company

4769602 Determining multiphase saturations by NMR imaging of multiple nuclides

4769602 Determining multiphase saturations by NMR imaging of multiple nuclides