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Neutron-Induced Particle Track Mapping of Elemental Distributions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 February 2011

R. W. Bild*
Affiliation:
Division 1821, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM 87185
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Abstract

Thermal neutrons are captured by several elements which emit charged particles as reaction products. These particles leave etchable damage tracks in detector materials placed against a sample, creating a map of the distribution and concentration of the target element. The most common applications are for trace U using fission fragment tracks and B using alpha tracks. Li, N and possibly S and O can also be determined. We have applied the technique to B in metals and coatings, Li in Al, N in glass and U in O-ring seals. Dectection limits are better than 10−11g/g for U, 10−9g/g for B, 10−6 g/g for Li and 0.1 wt % for N. Spatial resolution for mapping is about 25 μm.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1986

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References

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