18O(p,p′γ)18O nuclear reaction in the determination of oxygen by proton induced γ-ray emission

A particle induced γ-ray emission methodology employing the 18O(p,p′γ)18O (E γ = 1982 keV) nuclear reaction is described for the non-destructive determination of bulk oxygen in materials. The development of the methodology follows a comprehensive measurement of the thick target yields of the 1982 keV prompt γ-rays in the 3.0–4.2 MeV proton energy region and a systematic assessment of such analytical features as the limit of detection, probing depth, precision and accuracy. The methodology is validated by analyzing binary, ternary and multinary oxides. It is simple and rapid, and in combination with prompt γ-ray producing reactions involving the other constituents, enables the complete compositional analysis of oxygen bearing materials.