Use of neutron-activation techniques for studying elemental distributions: applications in geochemistry, ecology and technology

The radiography method is developed for the investigation of ionizing radiation sources distribution on the sample surface by means of a two-dimensional image, produced in a photoemulsion or dielectric track detector. Its sensitivity is within a range of 10 −2 - 10 −7 g/mm 2 and resolution from 0.01 to 100 μm. Statistical analysis and computer processing of the radiographic images have allowed us to solve the two main tasks of the method, namely, the determination the true distributions of ionizing radiation sources on the surface and the quantitative estimation of the local content of different chemical elements within a given accuracy.