Application of the k₀method in neutron activation analysis and in prompt gamma activation analysis

Abstract

The k0 method is a highly successful standardization method developed for Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA), later also introduced in Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA). After the careful calibration of the irradiation and counting facilities, the k0 method makes the use of elemental standards unnecessary. Masses of the components are determined relative to the flux monitor, or, in the case of PGAA, to other known components of the sample. The development of the method is summarized in this review together with the description of methods implemented at different laboratories. The activities carried out in the laboratories of the authors are described as examples for the successful implementation of the k0 approach to activation analysis.

Overview of Industrial Materials Detection Based on Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis Technology

“…In recent years, with the widespread application and in-depth development of PGNAA technology, the international research hotspots mainly include the following three aspects: 1) PGNAA system methodology [36]: In the field of methodology, the research of prompt γ neutron activation mainly includes the study of k0 method in the quantitative analysis of PGNAA technology [37] [38], the methodological study of the calibration of the wide energy range γ-ray detection efficiency [39], as well as evaluation and analysis techniques of γ energy spectrum [19] [51], Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute [52], Korea HANARO [53] [54] and other reactors have established their own advanced PGNAA system devices.…”

Rare earths analysis of rock samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis, internal standard method

“…Any element content of the analyzed sample C a (%) by the internal standard method can be calculated using the equation of the single comparator method of standardization [35,36] (lower case indices a and c mean an analyzed element and the comparator, respectively):…”

“…Correction factor G is very close to unity in most samples and also can be ignored [36]. If the internal comparator is determined by an independent technique, INAA ISM may be used to analyze materials suffering from thermal neutron self-shielding since it affects all the elements in the sample to the same degree [27].…”

Heavy metals detection in sediments using PGNAA method

“…Its area of application includes on-line and in situ measurement, environment and non-destructive analysis (Naqvi et al, 2009(Naqvi et al, , 2004Idiri et al, 2010;Ling et al, 2015;Révay and Molnár, 2003;Révay and Kennedy, 2012). The method is based on the measurement of prompt gamma rays emitted following thermal neutron capture and inelastic scattering reactions by the element present in the sample.…”