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Contribution of detection efficiency to the uncertainty budget in NAA

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Abstract

In neutron activation analysis the sample to be analysed is counted with the same detection efficiency as the standard or else a correction factor is determined to correct for the difference. The components contributing to the uncertainty of the detection efficiency correction factor were identified and evaluated by using 182Ta gamma-rays for typical NAA samples counted 1 and 100 mm from the detector. Uncertainties as high as 20 % were found due to coincidence summing and gamma attenuation. It was shown how to incorporate these components into the NAA uncertainty budget.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ecole Polytechnique, P.O.Box 6079, Downtown, Montreal, H3C 3A7, Canada

    Cornelia Chilian, Cristina Cimpan & Gregory Kennedy

Authors
  1. Cornelia Chilian
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  2. Cristina Cimpan
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  3. Gregory Kennedy
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Correspondence to Cornelia Chilian.

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Chilian, C., Cimpan, C. & Kennedy, G. Contribution of detection efficiency to the uncertainty budget in NAA. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 309, 249–255 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-016-4765-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-016-4765-x

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