Evaluation of reactor pulsing activation analysis enhancement in reference materials

Abstract

The enhancement factors possible by using reactor pulsing during neutron activation analysis have been shown to exceed 1.0 for half-lives shorter than 42 seconds. Studies published to date have applied the technique to pure elemental standards in order to evaluate the advantage. In addition, its use has been demonstrated for the analysis of several environmental samples. This paper describes experimental work performed in an effort to demonstrate the utilization of the technique on a wide range of real sample materials. The purpose of the investigation was to assess the value of the methodology to the neutron activation analysis program of our laboratory in support of university research. A series of sample matrices including reference materials, fossil fuels, geological specimen, ecologically important materials and animal and plant tissues have been subjected to pulsed neutron irradiation. Resulting gamma emissions were detected from samples after each irradiation. Representative spectral data are presented. Suitability of the technique for trace analysis are discussed.