2. Neutron activation analysis
Today, more than 80% of activation analyses are carried out after neutron irradiation, known as neutron irradiation. The method is often referred to by the acronym NAA: neutron activation analysis.
2.1 Nuclear reactions involved
The most likely and simplest nuclear reaction is the (n,γ) reaction produced by low-energy neutrons known as thermal neutrons (E 25C = 0.025 eV). This reaction leads to isotopes that have one more neutron in their nucleus than the stable isotopes that gave rise to them, and whose chemical properties they retain. The 82 natural elements from hydrogen to bismuth contain 270 stable or very long-lived isotopes, from which it is possible to create nearly 200 radioactive isotopes by reaction (n,γ),...
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Neutron activation analysis
γ-photon activation analysis
Bibliography
References
Manufacturers and suppliers
(non-exhaustive list)
Neutron generators
EADS SODERN http://www.sodern.fr
Measuring equipment (sensors and electronics)
Canberra Eurisys http://www.canberraeurisys.com
SEPH...
Organization
Commission interministérielle des radioéléments artificiels (CIREA)
Laboratoires
(non-exhaustive list)
Reactor neutron activation
Laboratoire Pierre-Süe (CEA-CNRS, Saclay) http://www-drecam.cea.fr/lps
Activation with charged particles
Centre d'études et de recherches par irradiation (CERI, CNRS, Orléans)
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