Standardization of an external (in air) PIGE methodology using tantalum as a current normalizer in conjunction with INAA for rapid and non-destructive chemical characterization of “as-received” glass fragments towards forensic applications

Abstract

Rapid automobile glass forensics by non-destructive analysis of “as-received” samples by external (in-air) PIGE for low Z elements with tantalum as a current normalizer and INAA for minor and trace elements using reactor neutrons.

Optimization of external (in air) particle induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) methodology for rapid, non-destructive, and simultaneous quantification of fluorine, sodium, and phosphorus in nuclear waste immobilization matrices

“…However, our laboratory has come up with simple current normalization methods like the in situ method (constant amount of Li or F added in the sample), 17 and external use of prompt γ-rays (165 keV) from the tantalum window. 22 In the present work, prompt γ-ray peak (2312 keV) from nuclear reaction ( 14 N(p,p′γ) 14 N) has been proposed as a new method for current normalization. Earlier, both the nuclear reactions 14 N(p,p′γ) 14 N ( E γ = 2312 keV) and 15 N(p,αγ) 12 C ( E γ = 4439 keV) have been utilized for determination of nitrogen in blood serum samples by PIGE method.…”

“…Conventional PIGE methods were utilized in our laboratory using in situ current normalization/current normalization from the Tantalum window for uorine determination in coal, soil, and several geological samples. [20][21][22] In the course of time, the external (in air) PIGE method has also been developed by researchers, thereby making the method simpler, rapid, and promising for analyzing samples with non-standard geometry. [23][24][25][26] Current normalization is always a challenging task in PIGE.…”

“… 30 Recently, we have developed an external PIGE methodology, where prompt γ-rays from the tantalum window were used for beam current normalization. 22 The reaction involved in utilizing Ta as beam current normalization is 181 Ta(p,p′γ) 181 Ta with prominent prompt γ-ray at 165 keV. However, higher γ-ray yield (intensity) of 165 keV gives higher Compton background, leading to erroneous concentration result with current normalization.…”

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of metals, chemicals and materials

“…A standardized method for the in- air particle induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) analysis of glass fragments that uses a tantalum window material as a current normaliser was reported in a paper by Sharma et al 132 Glass fragments were irradiated in air using a 3.5 MeV proton beam and simultaneous measurement of the prompt gamma rays from proton-induced reactions of isotopes of low atomic number elements e.g. Al, B, Mg, Na and Si as well as those at 135 or 165 keV from the tantalum window were measured.…”

The standardization and application of an external (in air) particle induced gamma emission (PIGE) method for the rapid and non-destructive quantification of light elements at major to trace concentrations in coal, bottom ash and coke samples

“…27 Recently, the use of prompt gamma rays from a tantalum window was proposed for beam current normalization, and this set-up was successfully used at folded tandem ion accelerator (FOTIA), BARC, Mumbai. 28…”