Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Chemistry, General Chemistry

Abstract:

Small, extra‐high resolution semiconductor detectors are extremely useful for the measurement of low energy gamma‐and X‐rays (< 100 keV) emitted during the decay of neutron activated geological materials. However, photon absorption in the samples is a potential source of substantial systematic errors. Photon absorption effects in cylindrical samples have been evaluated with the aid of Monte Carlo computer simulations. For accurate absorption corrections, it is essential to calculate the apparent absorption for a given sample‐detector geometry. For cylindrical samples this correction strongly depends upon the diameter/height ratios. However, the choice of an appropriate standard rock can eliminate the need for cumbersome absorption corrections in routine analyses. Copyright © 1981 Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim