Abstract
Fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA) offers a new way to determine the bulk composition of Heusler alloys. Fast neutrons penetrate deep in the alloys, allowing to quantify the bulk elemental composition thanks to the characteristic gamma-rays emitted by the excited elements. In this work, a fast neutron generator (MP320) and a low-background high-efficiency well-type Ge gamma spectrometer are used to quantify the amount of Mn, Fe, Al, Si, and Sn in manufactured Heusler alloys. The alloy bulk composition is compared with the surface composition (micrometer depth range) obtained by classical energy dispersive X-ray analysis, demonstrating the interest of FNAA.