Procedure for the analysis of isotopes by nuclear stimulation by electron transition

摘要

1430535 Excitation analysis INTERNATIONAL NUCLEAR CO Ltd 7 Jan 1974 [9 Jan 1973 11 July 1973 8 Sept 1973] 00592/74 Heading G1A Particular elemental isotopes in a sample are indentified and/or quantified by bombarding the sample with x-rays or electrons of a predetermined dose and energy to put the atomic nuclei of the isotope of interest preferentially into an excited state, and subsequently detecting the gamma-rays or internal conversion electrons emitted when the atomic nuclei in the excited state decay to the ground state. The required predetermined dose and energy is obtained by carrying out calibrational measurements on known samples. The detector may be a GM counter e.g. of the gas flow type. The conditions, for the effect on which the invention is based, are discussed and a mathematical explanation is provided. An example is described with reference to determination of osmium 189 in a natural osmium sample. Other isotopes which may be determined are uranium 235, neptunium 237, gold 197, iridium 193, tantalum 181, dysprosium 161 and tin 119.