A New Gamma-Ray Spectrum Catalog for PGAA

A major obstacle to the use of the prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) method has so far been the lack of a suitable library. Therefore, new measurements have been performed at the PGAA facility at Budapest Research Reactor (BRR) in order to create a prompt -ray catalog for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Prompt -ray energies and associated k ₀-factors have been determined by internal standardization. The resulting catalog contains prompt -ray data from neutron capture and other reactions such as (n,), and decay -ray data from short-lived reaction products. Data have been measured for nearly all stable elements, from hydrogen to uranium. Generally, data for several isotopes are given, to enable isotopic analysis as well.     

A new gamma-ray spectrum catalog and library for PGAA

New measurements have been performed at the PGAA facility at the Budapest Research Reactor (BRR) in order to create a prompt -ray catalog for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The measured spectra were accurately analyzed by HYPERMET-PC. Prompt -ray energies and associated -ray production cross-sections have been determined by internal standardization. The resulting catalog contains prompt -ray data from neutron capture and other reactions such as (n,), and decay -ray data from short-lived reaction products. Data have been measured for nearly all stable elements, from hydrogen to uranium. Generally, data for several isotopes are given, to enable isotopic analysis as well. The whole library, including elemental spectra, will be available as a book.     

Distribution of137Cs,40K,238U and232Th in soils from Northern Venezuela

More than one hundred undisturbed soil samples from Northern Venezuela and the islands of Margarita and Los Roques have been analyzed for¹³⁷Cs,⁴⁰K,²³⁸U and²³²Th by -ray spectroscopy. The specimens were taken from between 5–10 cm below the earth's surface. Thus, they are valid not only for the¹³⁷Cs deposition studies but also for the estimation of the natural -ray dose from primordial radionuclides that form the terrestrial component. The concentration of⁴⁰K was directly determined from its 1461 keV -ray, while those of¹³⁷Cs,²³⁸U and²³²Th were performed using a -ray from one of their daughter radionuclides: the 661 keV -ray of^137mBa for¹³⁷Cs, the 1760 keV -ray of²¹⁴Bi for²³⁸U and the 2620 keV -ray of²⁰⁸Tl for²³²Th. Finally, the concentration values were compared with those of global estimates.     

A new improved expression for gamma-ray detection efficiency of Ge(Li) detectors

In the present paper, a new improved expression for -ray detection efficiency of Ge(Li) detectors, ⁰ , is given. It is represented as a continuous function of x (viz. E ^–1) with a maximum and decreases very rapidly to a small positive value as -ray energy, E, drops to 40 keV or lower, but slowly as E rises to 1.7 MeV or higher. Since it can well represent the whole physical process of the -ray detection, this expression may be one of the simplest and most precise representations, for ⁰ at the present time.     

Gamma radiolysis of Methyl Red solution and reaction induced by γ-irradiated NaCl in Methyl Red

The -radiolysis of Methyl Red solution in HCl medium at pH=2 has been studied along with energy transfer reaction brought about byF and hole centers of -irradiated NaCl. The G-values for degradation of the azo dye indicator by radiolysis and -irradiated salt were determined as 9·10^–1 and 4.8·10^–3, respectively. The kinetic rate constants (k) of degradation are evaluated as 2·10^–5 rad^–1 in the case of direct radiolysis, while for the irradiated salt it is 2·10^–7 rad^–1. The extent of degradation by direct -radiolysis is 100–200 times greater as compared to that by the -irradiated salt. The same mechanism is proposed for radiolysis as well as the reaction induced by -irradiated sodium chloride.     

Scientists, Spectrometry, and Gamma-Ray Spectrum Catalogues, 1957-2007

The original Gamma-ray Spectrum Catalogue, Ge(Li) and Si(Li) Spectrometry published in 1974 by R. L. Heath has been recreated and enhanced as an electronic file and is available on CD-ROM or over the Internet. This electronic version includes 1998 -ray data from the Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data File database as downloaded in 1998 as well as decay scheme drawings. Future developments of similar catalogues will include -ray spectra from radioactive decay with newer detectors and spectra from neutron interactions with elemental samples and separated isotopes. The electronic form of these catalogues will allow the creation of tutorials on -ray spectrometry and on the data included.     

Synthesis of two regiospecific isomers of monotosyl-γ-cyclodextrin

Tosylation of -cyclodextrin in an aqueous alkaline solution gave two regiospecific isomers (2-monotosyl--cyclodextrin(1) and 6-monotosyl--cyclodextrin(2)), that could recognize and catalyze small sized guest molecules; 2-monotosyl--CD recognized small sized guest molecules more effectively than did 6-monotosyl--CD.     

Application of gamma-ray spectrometry for the assay of uranium in crude UF4—An input material used for producing nuclear grade U-metal at the natural uranium conversion plants

A -spectrometric method has been developed for the assay of uranium in crude UF₄, which is used as a secondary source of input material for producing nuclear grade U-metal at natural uranium conversion plants. The method makes use of a NaI (Tl) detector coupled with a multichannel analyzer. The 1 MeV -ray of²³⁸U is used for calibration. A method for the fabrication of uniform -assay calibration standards is also suggested, based on the results of this investigation. The calibration standards were prepared by soaking the matrix in uranium solution and then drying the whole material. The amount of²³⁸U in the crude UF₄ sample was directly estimated by comparing the areas under the 1 MeV -ray peak of known calibration standards with the corresponding areas of the samples to be measured. 100 g each of the standard and the sample were counted. 5 crude UF₄ samples were analyzed by this method. The uranium contents in these samples were found to be in the range of 12.2–28.7 g. To compare the -ray spectrometry results with a completely independent method, chemical analysis by potentiometry of all the samples was also done. The -spectrometric results were found to agree within ±18% with the chemical analysis results.     

Zur gruppentheoretischen Bestimmung der Atomzustände in Ligandenfeldern

Zusammenfassung Es wird vorgeschlagen, die Bezeichnungen weak-field-Methode bzw. strong-field-Methode durch (L)-Methode bzw. ()-Methode zu ersetzen.Nach einer kurzen Einführung in die ()-Methode wird mit den Mitteln der Gruppen-und Darstellungstheorie eine Formel abgeleitet, mit deren Hilfe man schnell Rasse und Multiplizität der Terme eines Komplexions in der ()-Methode angeben kann. Einige Spezialfälle dieser Formel und die systematische Bestimmung der ()-Funktionen werden erörtert.

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It is suggested that the misleading designations weak field method and strong field method be replaced by (L) method and () method, respectively.Following a brief introduction to the () method an equation is derived by group theoretical means which leads to rapid classification of the () terms. Several special cases and short cuts are discussed as well as the systematic determination of the () functions.

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Résumé Le remplacement des termes «méthode du champ faible» et «méthode du champ fort» par «méthode (L)» et «méthode ()» est proposé.Après une introduction dans la méthode () une formule est dérivée à l'aide de la théorie des groupes et des représentations, qui donne la représentation irréductible et la multiplicité des termes d'un ion complexe dans le cadre de la méthode (). Quelques cas spéciaux de cette formule et la détermination systématique des fonctions (/gG) sont discutés.

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Ich danke Herrn Professor Dr. H. Hartmann für den Hinweis auf das vorliegende Problem und der Deutsehen Forschungsgemeinschaft für ein Stipendium.     

Analysis of gamma-ray continuum spectra to determine the chemical composition

Neutron induced -ray spectra from various geological samples were analyzed to evaluate the usefulness of continuum spectra in deriving the chemical composition information. A fast Fourier transform technique has been used to estimate the signal content of selected energy bands of the continuum spectra. Monte Carlo calculations have been performed using the major -ray energy sources (due to Fe, Ca, Si and Al) to generate the corresponding detected -ray spectra. The experimental spectra are compared to the simulated spectra to check the consistency of the signal distribution between the peak and the continuum. The continuum above and below a chosen -ray line is calculated to find what fraction of the lower energy continuum is due to that line. The accuracy of the relative elemental concentrations determined by this method is confirmed through comparison with laboratory elemental analysis of the samples. It is found that using the continuum could greatly increase the sensitivity and precision of the measurement of elemental concentrations determined from -ray spectra of thick target sources, for spectra having peaks of poor statistical significance. However, for thin target sources or spectra with very good statistics in their peaks, this method may not be very advantageous.     

Thermische Zersetzung des Lithiumhexacyanoferrats(III)

Zusammenfassung Die thermische Zersetzung von Lithiumhexacyanoferrat (III) in Luft führt in drei Temperaturbereichen, d.h. zwischen 250 und 400°, 500 und 650° und 925 und 1000° zur Bildung ferromagnetischer Produkte. Durch Röntgendiffraktionsuntersuchung und magnetische Messungen wurde bewiesen, daß im ersten Temperaturbereich-Fe₂O₃ die für die ferromagnetischen Eigenschaften der Zersetzungsprodukte verantwortliche Phase ist, während in den anderen Bereichen diese Eigenschaften durch Lithiumferrit der Formel Li_0.5Fe_2.5O₄ verursacht werden.

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The thermal decomposition of lithium hexacyanoferrate (III) in air leads to the formation of ferromagnetic products in three temperature ranges, namely 250–400°, 500–650° and 925–1000°. By X-ray diffraction studies and magnetic measurements it has been proved that in the first temperature region-Fe₂O₃ is the phase responsible for the ferromagnetic properties of the decomposition products, whereas in the other regions these properties are due to the presence of the lithium ferrite Li_0.5Fe_2.5O₄.

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Résumé La décomposition thermique du ferricyanure de lithium dans l'air conduit à des produits ferromagnétiques dans trois intervalles de température: 250–400°, 500–650° et 925–1000°. Par diffraction des rayons X et mesures magnétiques, on montre que lors de la première étape de décomposition c'est l'oxyde-Fe₂O₃ qui est responsable des propriétés ferromagnétiques des produits de décomposition, tandis que pour les deux autres étapes, le ferromagnétisme est dû à la présence de ferrite de lithium de formule Li_0.5Fe_2.5O₄.

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-()- : 250–400°, 500–650° 925–1000°. - , , , , -Fe₂O₃. Li_0.5Fe_2.5O₄.

     

Assay of uranium in crude diuranate cakes and MgF2 slag produced at the natural uranium conversion plants by γ-ray spectrometry

A transmission-corrected -ray counting method has been employed for the assay of uranium in crude Na₂U₂O₇ cakes produced at the Uranium Conversion Facilities. A 3×3 NaI(TI) detector was used in conjunction with a 400-channel analyzer. The observed count rate of the 1 MeV -ray emitted by the²³⁸U in the sample was corrected for sample self-attenuation, measured with a⁶⁵Zn (-energy 1115 keV) transmission source. A calibration factor determined by measuring a standard of known amount of radioactive material in the same form and geometry as the unknown sample was used to convert the transmission corrected count rate to the amount of uranium in the weighted sample. Another -spectrometric method is described for the assay of the U-content in the MgF₂ slag produced during the magnesiothermic reduction of UF₄ to U-metal ingots at the natural U-conversion plant.     

14 MeV neutron activation analysis of ternary copper ilver selenide by X-ray and gamma-ray spectrometry

14 MeV neutron activation of ternary copper silver selenide gives rise to a predominant activity from the 0.511 MeV annihilation peak from the three elements when -ray spectrometry is used. To overcome the interference problems, X-ray spectrometry was applied to the simultaneous nondestructive determination of silver and selenium, after which copper can be determined by -ray spectrometry. The results of analysis show a relative error not higher than ±5%, when the samples were diluted with H₃BO₃ /90%/ to minimize the interelement effects.     

Ab initio investigation of the electron structure in bis-Cu+ acetylene and vinylidene complexes

[Cu(-C₂H₂)₂]⁺, [Cu(-CCH₂)₂]⁺ and [Cu(-C₂H₂) (-CCH₂]⁺ complexes have been studied by the ab initio double-zeta basis set method. It has been established that all calculated compounds are stable to decomposition into two C₂H₂ molecules and Cu⁺ cation and into one C₂H₂ molecules and the respective monocomplex. Calculation results suggest the possibility of intramolecular acetylene-vinylidene rearrangement in the coordination sphere of Cu⁺.

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ab initio : [Cu(-C₂H₂)₂]⁺, [Cu(-CCH₂)₂]⁺, [Cu(-C₂H₂) (-CCH₂)]⁺. C₂H₂ Cu⁺ C₂H₂ . - Cu⁺.

     

Properties of χ-alumina as related to catalysis

-Alumina was synthesized by thermal decomposition of aluminium(III) isopropoxide, and its properties were investigated. The change in its surface area with increasing calcination temperature resembled that of -alumina. Both aluminas had the same acid strength, and their activities in isomerization of 1-butene were the same. -Alumina as a support for molybdenum catalyst in the epoxidation of allyl alcohol also behavedin the same manner as -alumina. Thus -alumina has almost the same catalytic properties as -alumina.     

Gamma-ray pulse height spectrum of241Am-Be source by ‘Li-BC501 (n-γ) spectrometer system

Neutrons from a source are moderated by means of hydrogenous materials such as polyethylene (PE) or water to reduce the energy of fast neutrons and to increase the fluence rate of moderated neutrons. The rise-time and -ray pulse height spectrum from a PE moderated²⁴¹Am-Be neutron-gamma (n-) mixed source were measured by using⁶Li-BC501 scintillation detector and pulse shape discriminator (PSD) system. The difference in rise-time between and neutron signals tumed out to be 18.5 ns for the⁶Li-BC501 (n-) spectrometer system. The figure of merit (FOM) for this separation was estimated to be 1.52, and this was compared with the published results. From this comparison, the⁶Li-BC501 system has much superior characteristics in (n-) separation to other detector systems. Two Compton edges at around 1.87 and 3.99 MeV which are produced by H(n,)D reaction and by the first excited state of¹²C^* from Be(, n)¹²C^* reaction were also investigated.     

Artifact (α, x) Reaction Gamma-Ray Peaks Reported as 241Am Decay Gamma-Rays; Comments to the Paper by Abdulrahman Abdul-Hadi, J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., 231 (1998) 147

Review of a recent paper reporting the -ray energies and intensities associated with the decay of ²⁴¹Am has resulted in the conclusion that some of the rays were misidentified. The misidentified -rays are not associated with the decay of ²⁴¹Am, but rather are prompt -rays from alpha-induced reactions.     

Nitroalkyl derivatives of some heterocyclic compounds

The 2-(-methyl--nitrobutyl) derivatives of 2-imidazoline, benzimidazole, and benzoxazole and 2,4,6-tris-(-methyl--nitrobutyl)1,3,5-triazine have been synthesized. The nitroalkyl derivatives of 2-imidazoline and benzimidazole have been reduced to the corresponding 2-aminoalkyl derivatives.     

Uranium and thorium determination in Brazilian coals by epithermal neutron activation analysis

An experimental technique has been developed to determine impurities in coal. Uranium was determined by counting the²³⁹Np 106.1 keV -ray with a LEPS detector and thorium by counting the²³³Pa 311.8 keV -ray with a Ge(Li) detector. Seventeen coal samples were analyzed with an average precision of 3% and a quantitative determination limit of 0.153 g/g for uranium and 0.078 g/g for thorium. The technique allows determinations of up to twenty elements besides U and Th and can be applied in routine analysis.