PGAA: Prompt gamma and in-beam neutron activation analysis facility

Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) is typically used for the determination of elemental composition and concentration of solid samples (ca. down to ppm range). Liquids and gaseous samples can also be measured. The instrument PGAA is operated by the Institute of Nuclear Physics, University of Cologne and the Technische Universität München

The Role of Transport Agents in MoS2 Single Crystals

We report resistivity, thermoelectric power and thermal conductivity of MoS2 single crystals prepared by chemical vapour transport (CVT) method using I2, Br2 and TeCl4 as transport agents. The material presents low-lying donor and acceptor levels, which dominate the in-plane charge transport. Intercalates into the Van der Waals gap strongly influence the inter-plane resistivity. Thermoelectric power displays the characteristics of strong electron-phonon interaction. Detailed theoretical model of thermal conductivity reveals the presence of high number of defects in the MoS2 structure. We show that these defects are inherent to CVT growth method, coming mostly from the transport agent molecules inclusion as identified by Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence analysis (TXRF) and in-beam activation analysis (IBAA).Comment: 17 pages, 5 figure

Comparison of IUPAC k0 Values and Neutron Cross Sections to Determine a Self-consistent Set of Data for Neutron Activation Analysis

Independent databases of nuclear constants for Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) have been independently maintained by the physics and chemistry communities for many year. They contain thermal neturon cross sections s0, standardization values k0, and transition probabilities Pg. Chemistry databases tend to rely upon direct measurements of the nuclear constants k0 and Pg which are often published in chemistry journals while the physics databases typically include evaluated s0 and Pg data from a variety of experiments published mainly in physics journals. The IAEA/LBNL Evaluated Gamma-ray Activation File (EGAF) also contains prompt and delayed g-ray cross sections sg from Prompt Gamma-ray Activation Analysis (PGAA) measurements that can also be used to determine k0 and s0 values. As a result several independent databases of fundamental constants for NAA have evolved containing slightly different and sometimes discrepant results. An IAEA CRP for a Reference Database for Neutron Activation Analysis was established to compare these databases and investigate the possibilitiy of producing a self-consistent set of s0, k0, sg, and Pg values for NAA and other applications. Preliminary results of this IAEA CRP comparison are given in this paper

Micrometeorite Impacts in Beringian Mammoth Tusks and a Bison Skull

We have discovered what appear to be micrometeorites imbedded in seven late Pleistocene Alaskan mammoth tusks and a Siberian bison skull. The micrometeorites apparently shattered on impact leaving 2 to 5 mm hemispherical debris patterns surrounded by carbonized rings. Multiple impacts are observed on only one side of the tusks and skull consistent with the micrometeorites having come from a single direction. The impact sites are strongly magnetic indicating significant iron content. We analyzed several imbedded micrometeorite fragments from both tusks and skull with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). These analyses confirm the high iron content and indicate compositions highly enriched in nickel and depleted in titanium, unlike any natural terrestrial sources. In addition, electron microprobe (EMP) analyses of a Fe-Ni sulfide grain (tusk 2) show it contains between 3 and 20 weight percent Ni. Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) of a particle extracted from the bison skull indicates ~;;0.4 mg of iron, in agreement with a micrometeorite ~;;1 mm in diameter. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and XRF analyses of the skull show possible entry channels containing Fe-rich material. The majority of tusks (5/7) have a calibrated weighted mean 14C age of 32.9 +- 1.8 ka BP, which coincides with the onset of significant declines<36 ka ago in Beringian bison, horse, brown bear, and mammoth populations, as well as in mammoth genetic diversity. It appears likely that the impacts and population declines are related events, although their precise nature remains to be determined

Micrometeorite Impacts in Beringian Mammoth Tusks and a Bison Skull

We have discovered what appear to be micrometeorites imbedded in seven late Pleistocene Alaskan mammoth tusks and a Siberian bison skull. The micrometeorites apparently shattered on impact leaving 2 to 5 mm hemispherical debris patterns surrounded by carbonized rings. Multiple impacts are observed on only one side of the tusks and skull consistent with the micrometeorites having come from a single direction. The impact sites are strongly magnetic indicating significant iron content. We analyzed several imbedded micrometeorite fragments from both tusks and skull with laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). These analyses confirm the high iron content and indicate compositions highly enriched in nickel and depleted in titanium, unlike any natural terrestrial sources. In addition, electron microprobe (EMP) analyses of a Fe-Ni sulfide grain (tusk 2) show it contains between 3 and 20 weight percent Ni. Prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) of a particle extracted from the bison skull indicates ~0.4 mg of iron, in agreement with a micrometeorite ~1 mm in diameter. In addition, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and XRF analyses of the skull show possible entry channels containing Fe-rich material. The majority of tusks (5/7) have a calibrated weighted mean 14C age of 32.9 ± 1.8 ka BP, which coincides with the onset of significant declines <36 ka ago in Beringian bison, horse, brown bear, and mammoth populations, as well as in mammoth genetic diversity. It appears likely that the impacts and population declines are related events, although their precise nature remains to be determined.Мы обнаружили, как представляется, микрометеориты в толще семи бивней мамонта с Аляски позднего плейстоцена и в черепе сибирского бизона. Микрометеориты, очевидно, высыпались во время импакта, оставляя полусферические структуры от 2 до 5 мм, окруженные обугленным кольцом. Следы воздействий наблюдаются только с одной стороны бивня и черепа, что соответствует прилету микрометеоритов с одного направления. Следы от воздействия являются сильно магнитными, что свидетельствует о существенном содержании железа. Мы проанализировали несколько вложенных фрагментов микрометеоритов из бивней и черепа с помощью масс-спектрометрии лазерной абляции индуктивно-связанной плазмой (LA-ICP-MS) и рентгеновской флюоресценции (РФА). Эти анализы подтверждают высокое содержание железа и указывают на состав, высоко обогащенный никелем и обедненный титаном, в отличие от любого естественного наземного источника. Кроме того, анализы с помощью электронного микрозонда (ЭМИ) железоникелевого сульфидного зерна (бивень 2) показывают, что оно содержит от 3 до 20% веса Ni. Линии гамма-активационного анализа (PGAA) частиц, извлеченных из черепа бизонов, указывают на ~ 0,4 мг железа, что находится в согласии с микрометеоритами ~ 1 мм в диаметре. Кроме того, изображения от сканирующего электронного микроскопа (СЭМ) и РФА-анализы черепа показали возможные каналы вступления железосодержащего материала. Большинство из бивней (5 из 7) имеют возраст, калиброванный средневзвешенным значением 14C на уровне (32,9 ± 1,8) тыс. лет, что совпадает с началом значительного снижения менее 36 тыс. лет назад в популяциях берингийских бизонов, лошадей, бурых медведей и мамонтов, а также генетического разнообразия мамонтов. Вероятно, что импактные воздействия и уменьшение количества населения представляют собой связанные события, хотя их точную природу еще предстоит определить

Nuclear structure data obtained by the (n

The determination of nuclear structure parameters such as gamma transitions, level scheme, nuclear level density and radiative strength functions is one of the most important tasks in low-energy nuclear physics. The two-step gamma cascades method based on detection of gamma coincidences following neutron capture, ie. the (n,2γ) reaction has been proven to give spectroscopic data and data concerning level density and radiative strength function. This method allows for the study of the dynamics of interaction and inter-transition between Fermi-and Bose-states of the nucleus near the neutron binding energy. There is an essential difference between these intranuclear processes from those in classical and high-temperature superfluidity, which is determined by a shape of the investigated nucleus, the nucleon parity in it, existence of nucleons of different types (protons and neutrons) etc. Two-step gamma cascades technique has so far been successfully applied for 45 nuclei in the mass region 28<A<200. Brief description of the method will be included here with examples from the recent researc

Fission Neutron PGAA from inelastic scattering reactions – first results of FaNGaS

A beam of fission neutrons extracted at the SR10 beam line of the FRM II Research Reactor in Garching has been used to study inelastic scattering reactions and related product nuclei with a new instrument Fast Neutron Gamma Spectroscopy (FaNGaS). Complimentary to cold neutron PGAA, with FaNGaS (n,n’) reactions induced by fission neutrons can be studied. Prompt Gamma lines from inelastic scattering reactions up to now have been rarely studied and no adequate compilation of the emitted gamma energies exist. In developing non-destructive analytical techniques using neutron generator based PGAA such data are badly needed for quantification of heavy metals and actinides in e.g. nuclear waste, hazardous materials, or safeguards samples.A number of elements and relevant actinides have been irradiated in the fast neutron beam SR10 at the FRM II reactor in Garching, Germany. A heavily shielded 50% eff. HPGe detector perpendicular to the beam is looking at the samples exposed to ≈ 108 cm-2s-1 fission neutrons. Prompt and delayed gamma spectra have been taken and evaluated using the available data in scattered reports. Additional gamma lines have been detected and are being compiled to create a data base for (n,n’) reactions. Particular emphasis is given on actinides including 238U, as well as on shielding materials such as Cd, W and Pb. Some examples will be given and first results will be discussed in this contribution