Determination of boron in Japanese geochemical reference samples by neutron-induced prompt gamma-ray analysis

Determination of ppm levels of B in 21 igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Japanese geochemical reference samples prepared by the Geological Survey o f Japan (GSJ) has been performed by neutron-induced prompt gamma-ray analys is (PGA) using cold and thermal guided neutron beams of the JRR-3M. Owing t o the Doppler broadened gamma-ray line of B 478 keV, many elements such as Na, Ni, Cl and so on showed spectral interference in the determination of B . The interference was corrected by computer fitting and a reference peak m ethod. The analytical results obtained by the present method almost agreed with the GSJ values recommended in 1994 within the standard deviation of th e recommended values. Sodium contents determined by the PGA in the referenc e rock samples are also reported.