Analytical capabilities of the new thermal neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis instrument at the National Institute of Standards and Technology Center for Neutron Research

A new thermal neutron prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) instrument was designed and built to replace the original PGAA system at the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Center for Neutron Research. The new PGAA instrument was constructed to achieve a reduction of the fast neutron beam component, a reduction of background gamma-radiation (including gamma-ray lines that directly interfere with element analyses, low-energy scattered gamma rays, and Compton scattered gamma rays), improvement in element sensitivities and limits of detection (LODs), and a simplified instrument set-up procedure. (orig.)