Neutron Induced Gamma Rays

Neutron Induced Gamma Rays

Author: Tim

Fast neutron can inelastically scatter off of nuclei in other materials and leave the nucleus in an excited state without transforming the element. The exited nucleus quickly “rings down” by the emission of a gamma ray. For example exited iron will decay with a 847keV gamma. The follow experiment shows a collection of excited nuclei within the construction materials of the cyclotron, including iron, copper, aluminum, as well as the germanium of the HPGe itself.

Figure 1. Experimental Setup with portable HPGe
Figure 2. About a 10 mrem/hr field close to the chamber.
Figure 3. HPGe spectrum collected over 10 minutes
Figure 4. A table of Neutron Induced Gamma Rays
Figure 5. Identifying the lines, all of which are materials present in the cyclotron’s construction.