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Neutron depth profiling (NDP) offers unique advantages in the measurement of element depth distributions, characterized by its high sensitivity and non-destructive nature. This article presents an overview of the principles and data processing methods employed in NDP technology, followed by a comprehensive comparison of various NDP devices and their corresponding parameters on a global scale. Furthermore, potential avenues for upgrades of NDP devices are explored. Given the remarkable sensitivity and non-destructive attributes of NDP technology in detecting 6Li, it proves particularly well-suited for in-situ measurements in lithium batteries, rendering it an invaluable tool for research in this field. The article underscores the application of NDP in lithium battery research whilst its utilization in high-temperature alloys, semiconductor materials, and nuclear materials is introduced as well.

BackgroundDetermination of the elements in lunar soil samples returned by Chang'E 5- mission is of great significance for exploring the origin of lunar soil and the physical and chemical conditions for its formation, and for studying the evolutionary history of the moon. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) has the inherent advantages of non-destructiveness, high sensitivity, and the ability to analyze multiple elements. The NAA Laboratory of China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) is responsible for the quantitative analysis of elements in the lunar soil samples returned by Chang'E-5 mission.PurposeThis study aims at the quality assurance and the control of NAA for the determination of element content of lunar soil samples to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the analysis results.MethodsBased on the principle of neutron activation analysis and sources of error, the quality assurance measures taken by NAA laboratory in sample preparation, selection of analysis protocols, γ-ray spectrometer performance control, measurement, spectrum analysis, calibration were discussed. The results of NAA were evaluated and verified by internal quality control samples with known property values (and uncertainties) and the consistent in different characteristics γ rays of the same radionuclide. The analysis results of each element to be measured were compared with relative method and single comparator k0 method to achieve the purpose of internal quality control.ResultsThe analysis results of internal quality control samples meet the laboratory's acceptance criteria. Internal quality control methods such as repeated tests, etc., verify the consistency of the element measurement results.ConclusionsBy analyzing the measurement data, the reliability of the test results is verified, and the quality assurance process and quality control method are proved to be effective.