Determination of boron in Japanese geochemical reference samples by neutron-induced prompt gamma-ray analysis

Determination of ppm levels of B in 21 igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Japanese geochemical reference samples prepared by the Geological Survey of Japan (GSJ) has been performed by neutron-induced prompt γ-ray analysis (PGA) using cold and thermal guided neutron beams of the JRR-3M. Owing to the Doppler broadened γ-ray line of B 478 keV, many elements such as Na, Ni, Cl and so on showed spectral interference in the determination of B. The interference was corrected by computer fitting and a reference peak method. The analytical results obtained by the present method almost agreed with the GSJ values recommended in 1994 within the standard deviation of the recommended values. Sodium contents determined by the PGA in the reference rock samples are also reported.