Neutron Spectrometer for the Determination of Very Low Hydrogen Content in Metals

J R SANTISTEBAN; J R GRANADA; R E MAYER

Journal of Neutron Research

Taylor & Francis

Año: 1998 vol. 7 p. 1 - 14

1023-8166

The commonly available techniques for the determination of hydrogen dissolved in solids are usually destructive from the point of view of the sample. A new, nondestructive method for this kind of measurements has been developed, with the requirement of improved sensitivity for massive samples. The method is based on the use of epithermal neutrons together with time-of-flight techniques, and has been implemented through the design and construction of a spectrometer dedicated to that task. In this work we describe the basic concepts of this method, as well as the different stages of design, building, and characterization of the new spectrometer. A pulsed neutron source based on an electron LINAC has been employed to perform the measurements. Preliminary results showing the sensitivity achieved are presented.