Neutron Activation Analysis: Status and Prospects

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) is a nuclear analytical technique enabling non-destructive multi-elemental analysis in a variety of sample matrices with excellent sensitivity, accuracy, and precision [1]. The technique is based on irradiation of the sample under a known neutron field and detection of the characteristic gamma rays that are emitted as a result of neutron induced nuclear reactions in the sample matrix. The elemental composition of the sample material is determined by analysis of the detected gamma rays. It has been reported that about 70% of the stable isotopes in the nuclide chart can be determined by NAA techniques