Candidate reactions for mercury detection induced by neutron and alpha particles

This paper summarizes modeling of mercury to activated states with alpha particles, neutrons, or deuterons, and the spectral emission from the activated products. Activation can occur with a neutron source such as 242Cf, 241Am-Be, a neutron generator, or a particle accelerator, and the activation products are measured if sufficient signal is provided. Identification and measurement of mercury by prompt gamma emission, generated by bombardment with neutrons are reported. Activation product reactions of (α, xn) (d, xn) (n, γ) and (n, p) are screened as candidate reactions. In addition to prompt gamma emission, products and cross-sections of delayed activation involving alphas, deuterons and neutrons are also reported.Initial calculations indicate the potential use of either alpha, or 14 MeV neutron activation to assess part per billion concentrations of mercury in the gaseous phase. Ultimately, data from sample analysis of ambient-condition flue gas will be used to assess mercury detection sensitivity and specificity under typical operating conditions.