PARTICLE ANALYSIS AND SORTING

摘要

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for analysing samples for the presence of a particular element or isotope. In the method a pulsed neutron beam is directed at the sample. The beam is at an energy level chosen for the neutrons to interact with the element or isotope and produce a detectable gamma spectrum. A gamma detector detects the neutron-induced gamma spectrum. The detector is time-gated in such a manner that neutron-induced gamma radiation is detected while neutrons scattered by the sample are at least substantially excluded. Analysis of the spectrum enables a determination to be made as to whether a spectral peak characteristic of the particular element or isotope is present. The invention also provides apparatus for carrying out the method.