Development of digital autoradiography technique for the determination of the platinum-group elements in geological materials

Abstract

Application of digital document scanners as a tool for 2D-densitometry of autoradiograph images is discussed. Comparison with conventional densitometry is presented. The requirements for scanners and software for digital autoradiography of geological materials are reviewed and a selective and sensitive method for the detection of platinum by means of gamma-activation autoradiography has been developed (the detection limit is about 1 ng for Pt-inclusions in spinel). The results of an interpretation of neutron-activation autoradiographs for locating an iridium-containing phase is discussed.