Activation analysis of ores and minerals
This review deals with applications of activation analysis to geological samples : ores, minerals and rocks. The various activation sources suitable for this purpose are discussed. Applications using isotopic neutron sources are reviewed in some detail, those using neutron generators are discussed on a more general basis. Present trends in instrumental neutron-activation techniques are briefly indicated, in particular Ge(Li) gamma-ray spectrometry, coincidence counting, delayed neutron counting, prompt gamma counting and observation of nuclear tracks. The application of photon and charged particle activation to geological samples is also considered.