Neutron Activation Analysis Using Short Half-life Radionuclides

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY

IAEA-TECDOC-2055

English IAEA-TECDOC-2055 | 978-92-0-119024-6

100 pages | 16 figures | € 30.00 | Date published: 2024

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Description

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is the technique most widely used in research reactors worldwide. Six decades of experience in NAA has resulted in commonly applied analytical protocols, with measurements at about two to seven days and at three weeks after neutron irradiation. NAA with short half-life radionuclides enables an analysis turnaround time of one working day in principle. It also enables the detection of many important elements that cannot otherwise be measured with NAA based on longer half-lives. It may therefore provide competitive and, in some cases, even unique opportunities for an NAA facility. This opportunity is not fully seized by NAA laboratories due to the technical and analytical difficulties involved. This publication addresses all aspects of the implementation and optimization of NAA with short half-life radionuclides.

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Keywords

Neutron Activation Analysis, NAA, Using Short Half-Life Radionuclides, Radioisotopes, Nuclear Reactors, Neutron Irradiation, Research Reactors Worldwide, Analytical Protocols, Measurements, NAA Facility, Laboratories, Implementation, Optimization, Singleness, Speed of Analysis, Sensitivity, Reactor-Based NAA, Medium, Long Half-Life Radionuclides, Selectivity, Aspects of Interferences, Competitive Nuclear Reactions, Gamma Ray Spectrometry, Safety, Irradiation Facility, Counting Systems, Decaying Activities, Overlapping Irradiation, Counting Periods, Concepts, SHL Sensitivity Factor, Epithermal Short-Lived NAA, Threshold Interference Reactions, Worked Example, Radiation Dose, Argon Impurity in Propellant Gas, Contamination, Tubing, Propellant, Sensors, Bouncing, Diverters, Pulse Processing, Shielding, Beta Detector, Damage, Review