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Chapter 11: Problem 18

What are the principal steps in neutron activation analysis?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The main steps involved in neutron activation analysis are 1) preparation of the sample, 2) neutron irradiation, 3) decay of radioactive isotopes, 4) gamma-ray spectroscopy, 5) data analysis, and 6) calculation of elemental concentrations.

Step by step solution

01

Preparation of the sample

To begin the neutron activation analysis (NAA) process, first, prepare the sample. This could involve cleaning, cutting, or grinding the sample to a fine powder, depending on the specific application. The sample should then be placed in a suitable container made from a material that won't interfere with the neutron irradiation or subsequent analysis.
02

Neutron irradiation

Next, irradiate the sample with neutrons. This is typically done in a nuclear reactor or another controlled source of neutrons. The neutrons cause the atomic nuclei in the sample to become unstable or radioactive by capturing a neutron. This process is called activation.
03

Decay of radioactive isotopes

After irradiating the sample, allow it to cool down for a predetermined cooling time during which the radioactive isotopes that were produced during the irradiation process will start to decay. The cooling time can range from a few minutes to several weeks, depending on the specific isotopes created and the level of background radiation that needs to be reduced for the subsequent analysis.
04

Gamma-ray spectroscopy

After the cooling period, it is time to perform gamma-ray spectroscopy on the sample. This process will determine the intensities and energies of the gamma rays emitted by the radioactive isotopes during their decay. The gamma-ray detector, typically a high-purity germanium detector, is used to measure these properties.
05

Data analysis

Once the gamma-ray spectrum has been obtained, it needs to be analyzed to identify the radioactive isotopes present and determine their concentrations. This is done by identifying the specific gamma-ray energies corresponding to each isotope, and using the intensities of these gamma rays to determine the number of atoms present in the sample.
06

Calculation of elemental concentrations

After identifying the radioactive isotopes and their concentrations, the final step is to calculate the concentration of the non-radioactive elements in the sample. This is done by using well-established nuclear data (e.g., cross-sections, branching ratios, decay constants) and taking into account factors such as the initial neutron flux during irradiation, the sample geometry, and the efficiency of the gamma-ray detector. In conclusion, the principal steps in neutron activation analysis are the preparation of the sample, neutron irradiation, decay of radioactive isotopes, gamma-ray spectroscopy, data analysis, and finally, the calculation of elemental concentrations.

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