Investigation of radioactive samples for neutron capture reaction measurements using energy-resolved neutron imaging

To determine neutron capture cross-sections and elemental/isotopic compositions accurately via neutron capture reactions, shape effects caused by uniformity of samples must be considered. However, the estimation of shape effects is difficult to verify in some cases: sealed samples and valuable objects. In this study, the effects on sealed radioactive samples were estimated experimentally. A capability of energy-resolved neutron imaging enabled us to confirm significant localization of the sealed 129I sample non-destructively. It is revealed that shape effects should be corrected for obtaining accurate experimental results. Consequently, we conclude that energy-resolved neutron imaging will be effective to improve analytical accuracy.

Automated summary

This study experimentally estimated the effects on sealed radioactive samples and found that shape effects should be corrected for obtaining accurate experimental results. It was revealed that energy-resolved neutron imaging can effectively improve analytical accuracy.