Simultaneous analysis of light elements using prompt nuclear reaction gamma rays

A method is described for the simultaneous quantitative analysis of the light elements lithium, boron, fluorine, sodium, magnesium, and aluminum, using prompt nuclear-reaction ..gamma.. rays emitted when a sample is bombarded with low energy protons. Relative peak areas in a ..gamma..-ray spectrum are measured and elemental concentrations determined using ..gamma..-ray data obtained from standards. Factors affecting the accuracy of analysis are considered; the effect of stopping-power is discussed; on-line checks for systematic errors caused by target instability or target nonuniformity are described. A range of different materials has been analyzed with a minimum of sample preparation and selected analytical results are presented.