Status and recent developments in the k₀-standardization method

Abstract

After critical evaluation of a number of existing standardization methods a new approach introducing generalized k₀-factors was suggested in 1975 for use in (n, γ) reactor neutron activation analysis (RNAA). In order that the new method could soon be applied competitively in actual analytical work a cooperation between the Activation Analytical Laboratories of the Central Research Institute for Physics (KFKI), Budapest and the Institute for Nuclear Sciences (INW), Gent was established to determine the k₀ and other related nuclear data (Q₀, T_1/2, Ē_r, etc.) with a high accuracy, to develop procedures for monitoring essential irradiation and measuring parameters (Φ_s/Φ_e, α, ∈_p,$\bar \Omega$, etc.) as well as to share experiences when applying the method. This paper summarizes the main results of this cooperative work obtained in the last five years. The current status and recent developments in the k₀-method are reviewed and a “Status and Request List” compiled from more than a thousand surveyed nuclear data on about 150 analitically important (n, γ) reactions in being prepared to suggest new or refined measurements and to prevent the use of unreliable data.