title: "Hot background" of the mobile inelastic neutron scattering system for soil carbon analysis.
abstract: The problem of gamma spectrum peak identification arises when conducting soil carbon analysis using the inelastic neutron scattering (INS) system. Some spectral peaks could be associated with radioisotopes appearing due to neutron activation of both the measurement system and soil samples. The investigation of "hot background" gamma spectra from the construction materials, whole measurement system, and soil samples over time showed that activation of (28)Al isotope can contribute noticeable additions to the soil neutron stimulated gamma spectra.
authors.affiliation: USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, 411 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832, United States.
authors.forename: Aleksandr
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kavetskiy
authors.affiliation: USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, 411 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832, United States. Electronic address: galina.yakubova@ars.usda.gov.
authors.forename: Galina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yakubova
authors.affiliation: USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, 411 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832, United States.
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Prior
authors.affiliation: USDA-ARS National Soil Dynamics Laboratory, 411 South Donahue Drive, Auburn, AL 36832, United States.
authors.forename: H Allen
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Torbert
keywords: Hot background; Neutron activation; Neutron generator; Radioisotopes (28)Al, (56)Mn, (27)Mg, (24)Na, (16)N; Soil carbon analysis