[en] Performance characteristics of FAG FH 40 type personal dosemeters for their introduction as instrument for workplace dosimetry were tested with three types of measurements. The sensitivity of the instrument was measured at low dose rates, around background level; preliminary studies with the suitability of FHZ 731 type surface contamination detectors attached to the dosemeter; suitability of the incorporated gamma-ray detector for use in the photon fields of accelerators. (N.T.) 2 refs.; 1 figs.; 3 tabs

[en] The new cold neutron prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) facility provides improved capabilities for routine prompt gamma analysis and for the investigation of radiative neutron capture. The versatile beam chopper makes possible time-of-flight measurements and the acquisition of prompt and decay spectra simultaneously. The chopped beam PGAA technique combines the advantages of the in-beam measurement and the greater simplicity of decay gamma spectra

[en] Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis can be used for the investigation of internal details of samples thanks to the deep penetration into material of both neutrons and gamma rays. When combined with neutron radiography, PGAA proved to be a powerful tool for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of hidden parts, even in thick containers. The method was also successfully used for monitoring the chemical reaction inside a catalytic reactor. (author)

[en] Investigation of archaeological findings is usually performed with methods like 14C, neutron activation, neutron diffraction, neutron radiography, X-ray diffraction, PIXE, PIGE, etc. The PGAA method presented here has been employed on a tangential beam of the Budapest research reactor. Objects for analysis were irradiates with cold neutron beam. The photons created in the (n,γ) nuclear reaction were detected immediately in a Compton suppression scheme. γ spectra were analysed with Hypermet-PC software, based on Principal Component Analysis. The sensitivity of the method depends very much on the neutron capture efficient cross section. The method is highly sensitive for B and some rare metals. (Gy.M.)

[en] The Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA or PGAA) is a neutron based non-destructive analytical method for measurements of the elemental composition of samples. In the method, the slow neutron radiative capture transmutes the sample nuclides, which then emit prompt gamma radiations. The energy distribution of the radiation is characteristic for each element and the intensities of the peaks are proportional to the quantity of the elements in the sample. The high penetration of the neutrons and the low attenuation of the emitted gamma rays in the target allow sample-volume averaged information about its composition. All elements but He provide analytical signals with different probabilities from the interaction with the neutron beam. The probability is proportional to the neutron capture cross section, which can vary over several orders of magnitude even for neighbouring isotopes. Our gamma-peak catalogue summarizes the partial gamma-ray cross sections, which can be used in standard less elemental concentration analysis of samples. In principle, the method is capable to provide panorama analysis and the statistical uncertainty of the analytical signal can be decreased by increasing the irradiation time. While Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) is the best for trace element analysis, the PGAA is useful for quantitative determination of major elements and one of the best for light elements, being especially sensitive for hydrogen. In some cases, when the capture cross section is high (B, Cd, Sm, Dy), it can provide trace element concentrations. It is insensitive to the chemical composition of the sample, which complements methods that are sensitive to the chemical forms. One of our main fields of applications is the provenance of archaeological artifacts, which will be presented in the talk

[en] The prompt γ-activation analysis (PGAA) facility at Budapest Research Reactor offers a unique possibility to perform in-beam measurements. Several k₀ factors for decay γ-lines of short-lived nuclides have been determined accurately by means of in-beam activation. The present values compare well with literature data. New k₀ factors are proposed for ^24mNa and ^60mCo. (author)

[en] Recently, several archaeometrical projects were started on the prehistoric collection of the Hungarian National Museum. Among the analytical methods applied, non-destructive prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) has a special importance. Based on major- and trace components, characterization of stone tools and their raw materials were performed. Until now, 160 pieces from Carpathian Basin and from the surrounding area (Romania, Croatia, Ukraine, Poland and the Mediterranean region) have been analyzed, including both archaeological and geological pieces. Obsidian and Szeletian felsitic porphyry objects adequately separable with PGAA. Identification of high silica silex categories, however, is much more difficult. (author)

[en] Since 1996 several applications of prompt gamma activation analysis have been performed at the new Budapest PGAA facility. Investigation of metal objects are discussed. Results of nondestructive detection of H in amorphous metals, multielement analysis of Roman bronze brooches and measurement of silver concentration in Hungarian coins are reported. (author)

[en] High-pressure metamorphic rocks showing a large range of chemical compositions were analyzed by PGNAA, XRF and solution ICP-MS for major components and a variety of trace elements. The large data set allowed a comparison of results from PGNAA to the established methods and revealed good agreement for most major elements and for Sc and Gd. For V, Cr, Co and Ni, PGNAA data are satisfactory only at high concentration levels. B, Cl and H were analyzed by PGNAA with very good precision, even at low concentrations. (author)

[en] A major obstacle to the use of the prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) method has so far been the lack of a suitable library. Therefore, new measurements have been performed at the PGAA facility at Budapest Research Reactor (BRR) in order to create a prompt γ-ray catalog for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Prompt γ-ray energies and associated k₀-factors have been determined by internal standardization. The resulting catalog contains prompt γ-ray data from neutron capture and other reactions such as (n,α), and decay γ-ray data from short-lived reaction products. Data have been measured for nearly all stable elements, from hydrogen to uranium. Generally, data for several isotopes are given, to enable isotopic analysis as well. (author)