- P-ISSN 1225-0163
- E-ISSN 2288-8985
Neutron induced prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) offers a nondestructive, sensitive and relatively rapid method for the determination of trace and major elements and is proven to be convenient for online analysis of minerals, metals, coal, cement, petrochemical, coating, paper as well as many other materials and products. The technique has found many uses in medicine, industry, research, security and the detection of contraband items. This report reviews the present status and future trends of the PGAA techniques. Requirements for the system are neutron source, high resolution HPGe detectors with a high-voltage power supply, an amplifier, analog-to-digital converter, and a multichannel analyzer for the detection and measurement of prompt <TEX>${\gamma}$</TEX>-ray emit form the neutron capture elements. Introducing a <TEX>${\gamma}$</TEX>-<TEX>${\gamma}$</TEX> coincidence system also improves the quality of the <TEX>${\gamma}$</TEX>-ray spectrum by suppressing the background created from the Compton scattering of high energy prompt <TEX>${\gamma}$</TEX>-rays. A PGAA system using a <TEX>$^{252}Cf$</TEX> neutron source is currently under construction for the on-line measurement of several elements in aqueous samples at KAERI. The system can be applied for the detection of chemical weapons and explosives as well as various narcotics.