Hollas C L, Ussery L E, Butterfield K B, Morgado R E
Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM 87545.
Biol Trace Elem Res. 1990 Jul-Dec;26-27:103-10. doi: 10.1007/BF02992663.
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.
