Neutron capture gamma-ray spectroscopy and its analytical applications for gold ore sample using the reactor neutrons

Prompt gamma-rays which immediately follow thermal neutrons capture have been used as a technique for nondestructive elemental analysis for gold ore sample. The thermal column of the Egyptian Research Reactor-1 (ET-RR-1) was used. This requires a design of a well collimated and thermalized neutron beam. A high resolution and high efficiency Ge (Li) detector was required. In order to estimate the Content of gold in its ore, calibration curves were constructed. For testing the results obtained an empirical formula including the thermal neutron flux, the microscopic cross-section and the absolute efficiency of the detection system were applied. The concentration of gold in its ore sample was found to be as low as 5 ppm. Several elements beside gold could be identified in the ore sample