CHARACTERISTIC X-RAYS FROM (N GAMMA) PRODUCTS AND THEIR UTILIZATION IN ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

The possibility of using characteristic X-rays from radioactive elements in activation analysis was investigated during this work with particular emphasis on (n, γ) products. At least 27 of 56 elements investigated during this work were found to yield themselves to activation analysis employing characteristic X-rays from electron capture or internal conversion processes during isomeric transition. In presenting the results, a survey made of several elements and the limits of detection of 21 elements have been reported. Specific applications of this method were studied for the analysis of copper in a variety of samples (ores, minerals, steels, spent lubricants and human blood). The results of this investigation show that the use of characteristic X-rays in activation analysis has several advantages because the energies of these radiations are closely related to the periodicity of the elements themselves. © 1969 Akadémiai Kiadó.