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A new approach to single-comparator instrumental neutron activation analysis

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Abstract

A new parametric approach to single-comparator instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) at the University of Missouri Research Reactor (MURR) was investigated. A detailed MCNP steady-state model of the MURR core was developed using the latest neutron data libraries to compute the continuous-energy neutron flux distribution. Intrinsic reaction rates were predicted by coupling the computed local flux distribution to the isotopic (n, γ) excitation functions for a range of elements present in standard reference materials (SRM). Using the predicted (n, γ) reaction-rates, the concentrations for the various elements were determined. The method worked well for all nuclides tested, including those with cross sections that are not proportional to 1/v such as Lu and Eu with agreements for most elements within 5% of the reference value.

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Notes

  1. The u-score values are given as \( \,u = \;\frac{{|c_{e} - c_{c} |}}{{\sqrt {\sigma_{e}^{2} + \sigma_{c}^{2} } }} \) where c and σ are the mean and standard deviation, and subscripts c and e are for the certified and experimental values, respectively [16].

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Department, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    N. J. Peters, J. D. Brockman & J. D. Robertson

  2. University of Missouri Research Reactor, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA

    N. J. Peters, J. D. Brockman & J. D. Robertson

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  1. N. J. Peters
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  2. J. D. Brockman
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  3. J. D. Robertson
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Correspondence to N. J. Peters.

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Peters, N.J., Brockman, J.D. & Robertson, J.D. A new approach to single-comparator instrumental neutron activation analysis. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 291, 467–472 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-011-1203-y

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