Without quality historical records that provide the composition of legacy materials, the elemental and/or chemical characterization of such materials requires a manual analytical strategy that may expose the analyst to unknown toxicological hazards. In addition, much of the existing legacy inventory also incorporates radioactivity, and, although radiological composition may be determined by various nuclear-analytical methods, most importantly, gamma-spectroscopy, current methods of chemical characterization still require direct sample manipulation, thereby presenting special problems with broad implications for both the analyst and the environment. Alternately, prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) provides a'single-shot' in-situ, non-destructive method that provides a complete assay of all major entrained elemental constituents. 1-3. Additionally, neutron activation analysis (NAA) using short-lived activation products complements PGAA and is especially useful when NAA activation surpasses the PGAA in elemental sensitivity.

Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis introduces the fundamental principals and the unique characteristics of the gamma-ray activation method together with its applications and limitations. Sample preparation, instruments, shielding and irradiation using prompt gamma-ray activation analysis techniques with various neutron sources are described in detail. The neutron damage to PGAA instruments, particularly the radiation detector, is investigated. The book compares unique features and limitations of PGAA versus conventional NAA methods. Approximately 50 tables help to illustrate and describe these exciting new methods.

Prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is a unique, non-destructive nuclear analytical method with multi-element capabilities. It is most effective if intense neutron beams (especially cold beams) of nuclear reactors are used to induce the prompt gamma radiation. Based largely on the authors' pioneering research in cold neutron PGAA, the handbook describes the methodology in self-contained manner and reviews recent applications. The library of prompt gamma ray data and spectra for all natural elements is a unique aid to the practitioner. The level is understandable by a broad audience, which facilitates teaching and training. The Handbook of Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis is a comprehensive handbook written for those practising the method, wanting to implement it at a reactor facility, or just looking for a powerful non-destructive method of element analysis. The book is also useful for nuclear physics, chemistry and engineering scientists, scholars and graduate students interested in neutron-induced gamma ray spectroscopy and nuclear analytical methods.

Neutron-capture prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is particularly valuable as a non-destructive nuclear method in the measurement of elements that do not form neutron capture products with delayed gamma ray emissions. Inaccurate and incomplete data have been a significant hindrance in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of complicated capture gamma spectra by means of PGAA. This database was produced to improve the quality and quantity of required data in order to make possible the reliable application of PGAA in fields such as materials science, geology, mining, archaeology, environment, food analysis and medicine. The database provides a variety of tables for all natural elements (from H to U) including the following data: isotopic composition, thermal radiative cross-section (total and partial), Westcott g-factors, energy of the gamma rays (prompt and delayed), decay mode, half-life and branching ratios. The CD-ROM included in this publication contains the database, the retrieval system and important electronic documents related to the project.--Publisher's description.

The ability to perform low level counting, specifically gamma spectroscopy, for unknown radionuclides provides some challenges. In many cases, the ability to assess a material requires the use of neutron activation analysis (NAA) to excite the unknown sample to allow for the use of gamma ray measurement techniques to determine the radionuclides that are present. Quite often, the ability to identify unique gamma rays is challenging due to the fact that many radionuclides have gamma rays that have energies that are nearby other gamma rays from other radionuclides. The Compton continuum and high background radiation levels also contribute to the difficulty to make these measurements. This research has explored the use of an advanced digital gamma-gamma coincidence system, XIA Pixie-16, for use in neutron activation analysis. The reason for performing this research is that, although gamma-gamma coincidence in NAA is not a new area of research, there has not been a comprehensive study of the use of gamma-gamma coincidence for all NAA products. This research has the potential to benefit research and experiments that utilize NAA techniques for identifying unknown samples. The new XIA Pixie-16 system was first assembled and characterized. It was then used to perform measurements for all applicable short-lived, medium-lived and long-lived NAA products. The gamma-gamma coincidence system was utilized to identify radionuclides in different samples that have been demonstrated to be difficult to identify using standard gamma spectroscopy techniques. A thorough evaluation of the results of this research should serve as a reference for all future NAA research

In this work a prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) facility has been designed, built, and characterized at the Oregon State University TRIGA® reactor. PGNAA is a technique used to determine the presence and quantity of trace elements such as boron, hydrogen and carbon which are more difficult to detect with other neutron analysis methods. In PGNAA, isotopes are subjected to a neutron beam, resulting in the formation of an unstable compound nucleus. The compound nucleus immediately decays, producing a series of gamma-rays, whose energies are distinctive to each element. These gamma-rays are then measured using an HPGe detector to determine the elemental composition of the sample. The measured thermal and epithermal neutron fluxes of the PGNAA facility at Oregon State University are 2.81 x 107 ± 5.13 x 105 cm−2s−1 and 1.70 x 104 ± 3.11 x 102 cm−2s−1 respectively. This gives the facility a cadmium ratio of 106. Measured detection limits for boron, chlorine, and potassium in SRM 1571 orchard leaf standard were, 5.6 x 10−4mg/g, 8.2 x 10−2 mg/g and, 1.0 mg/g respectively. Also, the detection limit for hydrogen in high-density polyethylene is, 6.8 x 10−2mg/g. Detection limits for additional elements are presented in this work.