Characterization of yttrium aluminum garnet /YAG/ using 14 MeV neutron activation

A non-destructive method for the analysis of yttrium, aluminum and oxygen in Yttrium Aluminum Garnet /YAG/ by 14 MeV neutron activation analysis has been developed and evaluated. The fast neutron induces primarily /n, 2n/, /n, p/ or /n, / reactions with yttrium, aluminum, and oxygen to produce isotopes with measurable characteristic gamma-ray spectra. Concentrations of Y, Al and O were determined on the basis of calibrated nuclear decay emission spectra recorded on selected standards. After each analysis the crystal was returned to the furnace for further adjustments of the growth parameters, and any resultant elemental variations were observed in the next analysis. The accuracy of this method was determined by repeated analyses with various YAG crystals from a series of separate furnace runs.