Neutron depth profiling using the reactions 10B (n,α)7Li and 6Li(n,α)3H induced by thermal neutrons

Samples like p-type silicon and metallic glasses containing boron, were taken and used as target to induce the reaction 10B (n,α)7Li. In addition, samples containing lithium were also irradiated with thermal neutrons to induce 6Li (n,α)3H reaction. The alpha particles emitted through the reactions lose energy while traversing through the sample from point of emission to the surface and can be detected using a surface barrier detector. The out coming alpha particle spectrum can give the depth profile of boron or lithium atoms in the sample, if the energy loss of alpha particle within the matrix is known.