Photon activation analysis: a proof of principle using a NIST sediment standard and an electron accelerator at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Photon activation analysis was performed using a standard sediment SRM 1646a and the Bremsstrahlung X-ray from a LINAC at RPI. The selected electron energy was 50 MeV and the mean beam current was 80 μA. Using Internal Standard Method, the concentrations of Ni and Pb has been determined, the results agree well with the values given by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). However, a large amount of Zr in SRM 1646a was discovered which was not in the NIST certificate. The concentration of Zr was also determined. Finally, the PAA sensitivities for Ca, Ti, As, Pb, Ce, Ni, Rb and Zr based on the present experimental conditions were presented.