Non-destructive analysis of a bulky sample from a natural fossil reactor.

Authors :: Baechler, S.
Materna, Th.
Jolie, J.
Cauwels, P.
Crittin, M.
Honkimaki, V.
Johner, H. U.
Kern, J.
Masschaele, B.
Mondelaers, W.
Piboule, M.
Source :: AIP Conference Proceedings; 2000, Vol. 529 Issue 1, p734, 3p, 2 Diagrams
Publication Year :: 2000
Abstract: Two non-destructive and position sensitive methods were used for analyzing the presence of many elements in a sample coming from the reactor site of Oklo (Gabon). At the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), uranium and lead were visualized in this piece by element sensitive tomography. The same sample was then studied with the new Prompt Gamma Activation (PGA) facility at the Swiss spallation neutron source SINQ (PSI Villigen). A neutron focusing capillary lens permits the PGA to be turned into a position sensitive method. In the sample, the trace of [sup 235]U and [sup 238]U, but also 7 other elements were analyzed. © 2000 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]