Determination of hydrogenous distributions by neutron transmission analysis

Neutron transmission analysis is used as a tool for both scientific and industrial applications, requiring high-quantitative precision and reproducibility in the detection of macroscopic hydrogenous distributions. An experimental procedure and an analysis technique suitable for the determination of hydrogenous distributions in homogenous matrices have been designed, using a thermal neutron beam transmitted through a sample and recorded on a plane position sensitive detector. The recorded detector signal is interpreted as the result of transfer of the unmodified beam signal through the system consisting of the sample and is described by system transfer functions. Two examples of applications of the technique are presented: basic research on humidity transport in building materials and study of porosity of crystalline rocks for assessment of contaminant transport. Possible extensions of the method are discussed.