Using the activation radiography in geological and geochemical studies

To study the spatial distribution of gold and other elements in various specimens, a method of neutron activation radiography has been elaborated based on irradiating the sample studied with neutrons followed by photoregistration of the induced activity of the element under examination. The main factors, such as the resolution, detection limit, as well as the optimal conditions of irradiation, exposure and photoexposure for obtaining the selective radiographs have been evaluated. Radiographic methods with a resolution of 1-100 μm for studying the distribution of more than 30 elements having local detection limits of 10-3 - 10-8 g* mm-2 have also been developed. Representative data on the regularities of element distribution in minerals and samples of ores and holding rocks were obtained by applying these methods to the analysis of geological and geochemical specimens. (author) 15 refs.; 7 figs