Theory

Neutron Technology

Our competitive advantage is based on proprietary accelerator, detector, and software technology. 

Our innovative technology enables us to build customized systems with the highest precision for specific customer needs.

Main principle

  1. Investigated material is irradiated with neutrons.
  2. Neutron interacts with the investigated sample inducing gamma rays and/or changes in neutron energy distribution.
  3. By measuring the changes in neutron energy distribution and/or gamma spectrum, we are able to determine the elemental composition or image the object.

In addition, neutrons can also be used to produce rare isotopes, deliver radiation to tumors with boron, and stress test electronics. However, currently we focus on elemental analysis and imaging.

Neutron interaction with matter. A neutron can excite an atom, which will yield prompt and delayed gamma radiation.

Overall, neutron based elemental analyses and imaging technologies have three main benefits:

Versatile

Neutron technologies are especially versatile, as neutrons can pass through most material. For example, bulk analysis from a metal container is possible.

There are many different neutron technologies for both elemental analysis and image capturing.

Bulk analysis

Typical elemental analyses (such as XRF, ICP-MS, AAS) often either only measure the surface or require sample decomposition. Therefore, typical elemental analyses often have an unrepresentative sample.

With neutron technologies, large sample sizes (up to 1000 liters) can be measured non-intrusively to get a representative signal faster than any other technology can.

Different

Neutrons interact with matter in a fundamentally different way than x-rays, microwaves or electrons.

X-rays have stronger interactions with heavier elements, as they interact mainly with electron shell. On comparison, neutrons interact with nucleus, and therefore neutrons have relatively stronger interactions with light elements.

Introductionary document on Neutron Technology

For more information on the three steps of neutron based analyses download our 7-page introductory document explaining the theory behind neutron based elemental analyses and radiography.

The document explains in greater detail the possibilities and technical limitations of these analyses, including sensitivity to all elements.

For more information download our PDF brochure on Neutron Technology by clicking Download

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Interested on how our technology can benefit your business?

Contact us at: info@neutrongate.com