The prototyping of a high-resolution neutron activation analysis system - Based on a Pelletron accelerator and fast pneumatic sample-transport

A new neutron activation analysis system is currently being designed at Lund University. The design incorporates a compact accelerator driven neutron source, based on a 3 MV Pelletron accelerator and a pneumatic sample conveyor to transport samples from the neutron source to a measurement station consisting of an array of high-purity Ge γ-ray detectors. A prototype for this new station is currently in operation, with a Genie 16 SODERN neutron generator used in place of the compact accelerator driven neutron source. Preliminary results from the prototype system are presented, alongside qualitative analysis supported by simulations performed in FISPACT-II. The system has been tested with the measurements of Al and In foils, using a PLA sample holder. The results demonstrate that activation products with half-lives of as little as 2 s can be measured. γ-rays from the 2 s isomer, 116n In are clearly observed providing the irradiation and measurement times are appropriately chosen.