Abstract
It is of great importance in assuring good quality control in the routine production of 198Au isotopes to be able to estimate the yield of 199Au formed by (n, γ) reaction on 198Au and to measure simply and accurately the content of 199Au in 198Au after irradiation of Au.
Several detection systems available for routine measurement of 199Au in 198Au have been compared with each other in respect of efficiency, resolution, detecting sensitivity and ease of maintenance.
Gamma-ray spectrometry using a Nal (Tl) crystal detector was found as a result to be the most suitable for the relative ease it promised in operation and maintenance.
This method was applied successfully to the measurement of the 199Au content in 198Au formed by irradiation of Au at various positions in a nuclear reactor.
The experimental results agreed well with those calculated by adopting the value of 2.58×104 barns as 198Au (n, γ) 199Au reaction cross section. Neutrons in the resonance region were found practically not to take any part in the transformation of 198Au into 199Au.
