Photon activation analysis: a proof of principle using a NIST sediment standard and an electron accelerator at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Photon activation analysis was performed using a standard sediment SRM 1646 a and the Bremsstrahlung X-ray from a LINAC at RPI. The selected electron e nergy was 50 MeV and the mean beam current was 80 mu A. Using Internal Stan dard Method, the concentrations of Ni and Pb has been determined, the resul ts agree well with the values given by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). However, a large amount of Zr in SRM 1646a was discovere d which was not in the NIST certificate. The concentration of Zr was also d etermined. Finally, the PAA sensitivities for Ca, Ti, As, Pb, Ce, Ni, Rb an d Zr based on the present experimental conditions were presented. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.