A system may include one or more downhole tools, where a first downhole tool includes a pulsed neutron generator to emit neutrons into a borehole of a geological formation and one or more gamma-ray detectors to obtain a measurement of gamma-ray emissions, of a borehole environment, induced by the emitted neutrons. The system may also include data processing circuitry to determine a Sigma value associated with the borehole environment based on the measurement and determine elemental concentrations, excluding lithium, based on one or more gamma-ray energy spectra obtained via the one or more downhole tools. The data processing circuitry may also determine an elemental Sigma contribution of the elements other than lithium based on the elemental concentrations, determine a lithium Sigma contribution based on a difference between the Sigma value and the elemental Sigma contribution, and determine a lithium concentration within the borehole environment based on the lithium Sigma contribution.

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.

Systems and methods for measuring the content of an element in a soil comprises: a neutron source for irradiating the soil with neutrons; a detector assembly configured to detect an INS gamma spectrum of the soil; an instrument for measuring a moisture content of the soil; and a processor in communication with the detector assembly, the processor configured to: apply a moisture calibration coefficient to calculate a net peak area of a characteristic peak of the element in the INS gamma spectrum, the moisture calibration coefficient calculated to account for the moderation of fast neutrons by hydrogen atoms of water present in the irradiated soil at the location under analysis; and generate a concentration of the element in the soil. The instrument for measuring a moisture content of the soil may comprise the detector assembly. Systems and methods incorporating a temperature-controlled housing for the gamma detector assembly are also provided.

A method for identifying a soil texture class of a soil using gamma analysis comprises: acquiring an inelastic neutron scattering (INS) gamma spectrum of the soil; calculating at least one ratio of a mass fraction of a first oxide to a mass fraction of a second oxide present in the soil, wherein the mass fraction of each of the first and second oxides is determined from calculating a contribution to a characteristic peak in the gamma spectrum of the soil by each oxide of the first and second oxides; and identifying one or more soil texture classes of the soil by identifying a contour line of a contour plot that corresponds to the calculated at least one ratio, wherein the contour line correlates the calculated at least one ratio to one or more soil texture classes. A mobile system for gamma analysis determination of soil texture is also provided.

A radiation effects testing system that includes a sample test housing, a neutron generator comprising a beam accelerator configured to generate an ion beam, a target chamber, and a beamline extending from the beam accelerator to the target chamber, and a sample loading system comprising a loading duct having a loading end and a chamber end, and a sample carrier translatable along the loading duct. The chamber end is coupled to the sample test housing, thereby providing a pathway from the loading end into the sample test housing. The loading duct comprises a descent segment extending from the loading end and an approach segment extending from the chamber end. The descent segment and the approach segment are non-parallel. Moreover, the sample carrier is in an upright orientation when located in the descent segment of the loading duct and when located in the approach segment of the loading duct.