Low-background gamma spectrometry and neutron diffraction in the study of stony meteorites. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rossini, Riccardo; Clemenza, Massimiliano; Di Martino, Daniela; Laubenstein, Matthias; Scherillo, Antonella; Musa, Maya; Riccardi, Maria Pia; Gorini, Giuseppe
• Is Part Of: Applied radiation and isotopes. Volume 193(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: 0000 -- 1111; Meteorite -- Low-background gamma spectrometry -- Time-of-flight neutron diffraction -- Non-destructive; Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiation -- Industrial applications -- Periodicals; Nuclear chemistry -- Periodicals; Internet resource; Periodical; 660.298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2023.110653
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0969-8043

Abstract

Abstract: Non-destructive characterisation of meteorites is here performed on a stony meteorite. The identification of the sample is performed by low-background γ -ray spectrometry in order to determine the presence of certain cosmogenic radionuclides, whereas a mineralogical phase quantitative analysis is carried out by Time-of-Flight Neutron Diffraction (ToF-ND) on the sample as-it-is. The protocol is then validated by applying micro-Raman Spectroscopy ( μ RS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). This paper is focused on γ -ray spectrometry, proving the meteoric origin of the sample, and it also presents some preliminary results of ToF-ND. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Non-destructive characterisation of meteorites. Gamma spectrometry to identify meteorites by analysing their gamma ray emission. Time-of-Flight Neutron Diffraction to quantify mineral phases in meteorites.