24-10-2012, 11:16 AM
Hydrogen Uptake by High Purity Niobium Studied by Nuclear Analytical Methods
ABSTRACT
Niobium RF superconducting cavities form the basic component of particle accelerators. The presence of trace amounts
of hydrogen in niobium is believed to have a detrimental effect on the mechanical and superconducting properties. We have
used prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) and neutron incoherent scattering to measure bulk hydrogen content in
niobium, and the nuclear reaction method to study hydrogen as a function of depth. The methods were used to study native
hydrogen concentrations in the niobium, and to study the effects of vacuum heating and acid treatment on the hydrogen
concentration.
ABSTRACT
Niobium RF superconducting cavities form the basic component of particle accelerators. The presence of trace amounts
of hydrogen in niobium is believed to have a detrimental effect on the mechanical and superconducting properties. We have
used prompt gamma-ray activation analysis (PGAA) and neutron incoherent scattering to measure bulk hydrogen content in
niobium, and the nuclear reaction method to study hydrogen as a function of depth. The methods were used to study native
hydrogen concentrations in the niobium, and to study the effects of vacuum heating and acid treatment on the hydrogen
concentration.