title: Analysis of biological samples using prompt gamma radiations induced by 14.7-MeV neutrons.
abstract: We investigate a method for determining the elemental composition of biological samples that uses prompt gamma rays induced by 14.7-MeV neutrons. Alpha particles are produced simultaneously with the neutrons, which exit opposite the alpha detector through the vacuum chamber wall. The sample under investigation is irradiated and emits gamma radiations in a spectral energy distribution characteristic of the material. Barium-fluoride (BaF2) and high-purity germanium (HPGe) gamma detectors view the sample and record the spectrum of gamma radiation.
authors.affiliation: Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM 87545.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Hollas
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Ussery
authors.forename: K B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Butterfield
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Morgado
mesh_terms: D000512:Alpha Particles; D001464:Barium; D017609:Barium Compounds; D005214:Fast Neutrons; D005459:Fluorides; D005720:Gamma Rays; D005857:Germanium; D009501:Neutron Activation Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D017609:Barium Compounds; D014131:Trace Elements; D005857:Germanium; D001464:Barium; C055150:barium fluoride; D005459:Fluorides