Activation analysis with cyclotron-produced fast neutrons. Application to instrumental multi-element analysis and to the radiochemical determination of fluorine

Fast neutrons produced by irradiation of a thick beryllium target with 20–50 MeV deuterons are used for activation analysis. The spatial neutron flux distribution around the target is measured. A rotating sample holder is used for the simultaneous irradiation of samples and standards. Instrumental analysis can be applied for a number of elements. As an example, results for calcium and strontium in some reference materials are given. The¹⁹F(n, 2n)¹⁸F reaction is used for the radiochemical determination of fluorine in rocks with a fluorine concentration ranging from 9 to 5400 μg·g⁻¹ Aspirant of the N.F.W.O.