Abstract:
A system and method for rapidly analyzing elemental abundances in rock or soil samples (14) under field conditions. The system uses a portable neutron source (12) to allow neutron activation analysis of elements having identifiable radioactive decay characteristics. A radiation detector (18) detects radiation released by the sample (14) and provides radiation testing results to an amplifier (26) for computing the concentration of trace elements in the sample with a high degree of accuracy.
Patent Number:
6,577,697
Date Of Issue:
06/09/2003
Inventors:
English C. Pearcy; Mark S. Jarzemba; James R. Weldy
Full Text: