Magnetic fields to eliminate beta-ray interference in measurement of x-rays following neutron activation

Magnetic deflection is used for the elimination of beta interference with the measurement of x-rays obtained following neutron activation. Theoretical calculations and experimental results show that permanent magnets of 3.5 to 4 kG greatly improve the accuracy of the measurements of x-rays of low and medium Z elements in the presence of strong β emitters by lowering the background. This effect increases with increasing intensity of the magnetic field and for a 50 μCl 32O source reaches 99% and 95% for 4.5 and 14 keV, respectively. 4 figures, 1 table