measurements-soil-carbon-neutron-gamma-analysis-static-scanning

Measurements of Soil Carbon by Neutron-Gamma Analysis in Static and Scanning Modes

The herein described application of the inelastic neutron scattering (INS) method for soil carbon analysis is based on the registration and analysis of ...

Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture

Advantages of radioisotope-powered electric generators include long service life, wide temperature range operation and high-energy density. We report development of a long-life generator based on indirect conversion of alpha decay energy. Prototyping used 300 mCi Pu-238 alpha emitter and AlGaAs photovoltaic cells designed for low light intensity conditions. The alpha emitter, phosphor screens, and voltaic arrays were assembled into a power source with the following characteristics: Isc=14 microA; Uoc=2.3 V; power output -21 microW. Using this prototype we have powered an eight-digit electronic calculator and wrist watch.

Alpha indirect conversion radioisotope power source.

The problem of gamma spectrum peak identification arises when conducting soil carbon analysis using the inelastic neutron scattering (INS) system. Some spectral peaks could be associated with radioisotopes appearing due to neutron activation of both the measurement system and soil samples. The investigation of "hot background" gamma spectra from the construction materials, whole measurement system, and soil samples over time showed that activation of (28)Al isotope can contribute noticeable additions to the soil neutron stimulated gamma spectra.

"Hot background" of the mobile inelastic neutron scattering system for soil carbon analysis.

Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) was applied to determine soil carbon content. Due to non-uniform soil carbon depth distribution, the correlation between INS signals with some soil carbon content parameter is not obvious; however, a proportionality between INS signals and average carbon weight percent in ~10cm layer for any carbon depth profile is demonstrated using Monte-Carlo simulation (Geant4). Comparison of INS and dry combustion measurements confirms this conclusion. Thus, INS measurements give the value of this soil carbon parameter.

Application of Geant4 simulation for analysis of soil carbon inelastic neutron scattering measurements.

Computer Monte-Carlo (MC) simulations (Geant4) of neutron propagation and acquisition of gamma response from soil samples was applied to evaluate INS system performance characteristic [minimal detectible level (MDL), sensitivity] for soil carbon measurement. The INS system model with best performance characteristics was determined based on MC simulation results. Measurements of MDL using an experimental prototype based on this model demonstrated good agreement with simulated data. This prototype will be used as the base engineering design for a new INS system.

Galina Yakubova

National Soil Dynamics Laboratory

Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture

Measurements of Soil Carbon by Neutron-Gamma Analysis in Static and Scanning Modes

Galina Yakubova

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Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture

Measurements of Soil Carbon by Neutron-Gamma Analysis in Static and Scanning Modes

National Soil Dynamics Laboratory