inelastic neutron scattering — Oil & Gas Glossary

A neutron interaction in which part of the kinetic energy lost by a neutron in a nuclear collision excites the nucleus. The excited nucleus will usually emit characteristic gamma rays upon de-excitation. Inelastic neutron scattering is possible only if the neutron energy exceeds a characteristic threshold for the element. Inelastic neutron scattering is the principle behind the carbon-oxygen log, which