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Application of delayed x‐ray spectrometry to the analysis of some rare earth elements
Author(s) -
Pillay A. E.,
Mboweni R. C. M.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
x‐ray spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.447
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1097-4539
pISSN - 0049-8246
DOI - 10.1002/xrs.1300200505
Subject(s) - neutron activation analysis , rare earth , mass spectrometry , matrix (chemical analysis) , detector , isotope , yield (engineering) , analytical chemistry (journal) , rare earth element , materials science , x ray , radiochemistry , chemistry , physics , mineralogy , nuclear physics , optics , environmental chemistry , metallurgy , chromatography , composite material
The capabilities of delayed x‐ray spectrometry preceded by isotope‐source thermal neutron activation for the specific determination of some rare earth elements (Sm, Eu, Dy, Ho) in small powdered samples was evaluated. The feasibility study relied heavily on the low‐energy sensitivity of the detector used. Detection of the delayed x‐rays was achieved with a 100‐mm 2 Ge detector with the ability to produce optimum photopeak‐to‐noise ratios. The rare earth elements were chosen on the basis of their inherent favourable nuclear properties for producing a practicable x‐ray yield and on the demand for their analysis. Analytical results are presented over a range of concentrations for the elements of interest and the potential of the technique for application to their general routine analysis is discussed. Interferences from the sample matrix can be suppressed to an extent that makes the method almost independent of the matrix. This and other features make the technique a strong rival to conventional activation analysis.