Corrections for neutron activation analysis with non-1/v nuclides using reactor moderator temperature readings

Abstract

Neutron activation analysis using the single comparator method or the k 0 method may be less accurate in the cases of non-1/v nuclides if irradiations are done at varying reactor temperatures. We propose a method to correct this effect, using available reactor moderator temperature readings. It was verified by the irradiation of two non-1/v nuclides, 176Lu and 151Eu. Irradiations were carried out in two irradiation sites at two reactor powers and at estimated neutron temperatures varying from 18 to 46 °C. In all cases the measured activities showed a variation with temperature consistent with published tables of the variation of the Westcott g-factor. The method should be accurate to 1% for most small reactors and eliminates the need to irradiate temperature monitors.