Frontiers of Neutron-induced Prompt γ-ray Analysis and Muonic X-ray Analysis

Abstract

This paper describes the recent research and development status of neutron-induced prompt γ-ray analysis and muonic X-ray analysis as elemental analysis methods using quantum beams. Neutron-induced prompt γ-ray analysis is an elemental analysis method using neutrons, and is often used as a nondestructive quantitative analysis method for boron and hydrogen. The prompt γ-ray analysis system (PGA) installed at JRR-3 is an old device constructed more than 30 years ago, but recently an articulated robot has been installed and an advanced automated analysis system is in operation. On the other hand, the muonic X-ray analysis method is attracting attention as a new analysis method, and can detect light elements such as oxygen nondestructively. Both analytical methods have been used in the analysis of the samples of asteroid Ryugu, and will continue to evolve greatly as analytical methods in the future.