scholarly journals Determination of Hydrogen in Niobium by Cold Neutron Prompt Gamma-Ray Activation Analysis and Neutron Incoherent Scattering

Author(s):  
Rick L. Paul
1998 ◽  
Vol 513 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Paul ◽  
R. M. Lindstrom

ABSTRACTCold neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis has proven useful for nondestructive measurement of trace hydrogen. The sample is irradiated in a beam of neutrons; the presence of hydrogen is confirmed by the emission of a 2223 keV gamma-ray. Detection limits for hydrogen are 3 mg/kg in quartz and 8 mg/kg in titanium. We have used the technique to measure hydrogen in titanium alloys, germanium, quartz, fullerenes and their derivatives, and other materials.


1999 ◽  
Vol 591 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick L. Paul ◽  
H. Heather Chen-Mayer ◽  
Richard M. Lindstrom ◽  
Menno Blaauw

ABSTRACTA combination of cold neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) and neutron incoherent scattering (NIS) has been used for nondestructive characterization of hydrogen as a function of position in slabs of wet concrete of different compositions. Hydrogen was determined by PGAA by scanning each sample across a 5 mm diameter neutron beam in 10 mm increments, and measuring the 2223 keV prompt gamma ray. NIS measurements were performed by scanning the sample across a 5 mm diameter neutron beam at 5 mm increments and detecting scattered neutrons. The measurements demonstrate the feasibility of the techniques for 2D compositional mapping of hydrogen and other elements in materials, and indicate the potential of these methods for monitoring the uniformity of drying concrete.


1993 ◽  
Vol 324 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick L. Paul ◽  
Richard M. Lindstrom

AbstractA reliable nondestructive method for measuring trace amounts of hydrogen in semiconductors and related materials has long been needed. Cold neutron capture prompt γ-ray activation analysis (CNPGAA) is a nondestructive, multielement technique which has found application in the measurement of trace amounts of hydrogen. The sample is irradiated by a beam of “cold” neutrons; the presence of hydrogen is confirmed by the detection of a 2223 keV gamma-ray. The technique gives bulk analyses (the neutron and gamma radiation penetrate the sample), the hydrogen peak is free of interferences, and the results are independent of the chemical form of hydrogen present. The instrument is capable of detecting less than 10 mg/kg of hydrogen in many matrices. We have used the technique to measure hydrogen levels in a dielectric film on a silicon wafer, semiconductor grade germanium, and quartz.


2008 ◽  
Vol 1098 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick Paul ◽  
Lei Raymond Cao

AbstractAn instrument for cold neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) at the NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) has proven useful for the chemical characterization of hydrogen storage materials and other materials of importance to a hydrogen-based economy. The detection limit for hydrogen is less than 10 mg/kg for most materials. Potential hydrogen storage materials that have been characterized by PGAA include single-wall carbon nanotubes with and without boron doping, porous carbons, lithium magnesium imides, and ternary hydrides of various elements. The capability to allow in situ hydrogenation and characterization of materials is currently under development. PGAA has also been used to characterize materials used in hydrogen fuel cells, including solid proton conductors, polymer membrane, and proton exchange membranes. Future upgrades to the instrument will improve detection limits and functionality of the instrument.


1996 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 3682-3687 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick L. Paul ◽  
Richard M. Lindstrom ◽  
Robert R. Greenberg ◽  
Hugh M. Privett ◽  
Wade J. Richards

2014 ◽  
Vol 304 (1) ◽  
pp. 189-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rick L. Paul ◽  
Dağıstan Şahin ◽  
Jeremy C. Cook ◽  
Christoph Brocker ◽  
Richard M. Lindstrom ◽  
...  

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