Reactor neutron activation analysis followed by characteristic X-ray spectrometry

Abstract

The possibility of applications of characteristic X-rays from radioactive products of reactor neutron activation was investigated with particular emphasis on (n, γ), n, n′), (n, 2n), (n, p) and (n, α) products with long half-lives. The sensitivity and detection limits of silver, cerium, gadolinium, selenium, cadmium and europium have been investigated. The elements were studied both in a pure and in a matrix form, in both cases the samples were diluted with graphite (≈90%) to minimize matrix effects (absorption and enhancement).