Katastrofální povodeň v České republice v srpnu 2002

16116

Performance and robustness of a multi-user, multi-spectrometer system for INAA

The laboratory for instrumental neutron activation analysis at the Reactor Institute Delft, Delft University of Technology uses a network of 3 gamma-ray spectrometers with well-type detectors and 2 gamma-ray spectrometers with coaxial detectors, all equipped with modern sample changers, as well as 2 spectrometers with coaxial detectors at the two fast rabbit systems. A wide variety of samples is processed through the system, all at specific optimized (and thus different) analytical protocols, and using different combination of the spectrometer systems. The gamma-ray spectra are analyzed by several qualified operators. The laboratory therefore needs to anticipate on the occurrence of random and systematic inconsistencies in the results (such as bias, non-linearity or wrong assignments due to spectral interferences) resulting from differences in operator performance, selection of analytical protocol and experimental conditions. This has been accomplished by taking advantage of the systematic processing of internal quality control samples such as certified reference materials and blanks in each test run. The data from these internal quality control analyses have been stored in a databank since 1991, and are now used to assess the various method performance indicators as indicators for the method’s robustness.Radiation, Radionuclides and ReactorsApplied Science

Coherent and incoherent Thomson scattering on an argon/hydrogen microwave plasma torch with transient behaviour

A new method of processing time-integrated coherent Thomson scattering spectra is presented, which provides not only the electron density and temperature but also information about the transient behaviour of the plasma. Therefore, it is an alternative to single-shot Thomson scattering measurements as long as the scattering is coherent. The method is applied to a microwave plasma torch operating in argon or a mixture of argon with hydrogen at atmospheric pressure. Electron densities up to 8 · 1021 m-3 (ionization degree above 10-3) were observed, which is more than two times higher than presented in earlier works on comparable discharges. Additionally, a parametric study with respect to the argon/hydrogen ratio and the input power was carried out and the results are discussed together with earlier Stark broadening measurements on the same plasma