Imaging Neutron Activation Analysis

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This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 project is in the general area of of analytical and surface chemistry. It builds upon the successes realized during the conduct of the Phase 1 project. The long range scientific goals of this research are to develop methods of analysis of real world samples, to make improvements in the instrumentation, and to determine the limits of instrument performance using well characterized test samples. Neutron activation of elements produces radionuclides. Characteristic gamma-rays associated with the radionuclide disintegrations can be measured with germanium detectors. Secondary electrons produced at the surface of a thin sample as a beta-particle exits the sample can be accelerated and imaged. When these gamma-rays and beta-particles are detected in coincidence, the gamma-ray answers the question "what" and the secondary electron answers the question "where" for an individual radionuclide disintegration. This information can be organized into element maps and local area gamma-rays spectra. %%% This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 project will continue the efforts initially started during the Phase 1 project. An important goal of the SBIR Program is the ultimate conversion of NSF-supported research into technological innovation and commercial application.