An apparatus for analyzing a core sample obtained from a subterranean formation includes a neutron generator, a plurality of detectors, a computed tomography scanner, an information processing device, and a transport system. The neutron generator can operate in a pulsed mode and emit neutrons into the core sample.

The purpose of the present disclosure is to reliably obtain spectrum information of transition metals and to secure measurement throughput, in a case where a sample is analyzed using two or more element analysis devices having different energy resolutions. An analysis system according to the present disclosure is configured such that, when a first element analysis device is used to analyze a first X ray of a sample and a transition metal element is detected, a second element analysis device, which has a higher energy resolution than the first element analysis device, is used to analyze a second X ray of the sample.

A method of detecting a material, and corresponding system, include irradiating a target during an irradiation period with source x-rays; detecting imaging x-rays and x-ray fluorescence received from the target resulting from the irradiating during the irradiation period; and providing an indication of the material being potentially present in the target, the indication based on both analyzing an x-ray image generated from the detected imaging x-rays and on analyzing the detected x-ray fluorescence for characteristic x-ray fluorescence that can be emitted from the material.