Neutron Activation Analysis

The neutron activation analysis technique is based on the measurement of radiation released by the decay of radioactive nuclei formed by neutron irradiation of the material. Examples that can be analyzed with this method originate from a number of different fields such as medicine, nutrition, biology, chemistry, forensics, environment, and mining.

Neutron activation analysis can be performed in a variety of ways. This depends on the element to be measured and the corresponding radiation levels, as well as the nature and extent of the interference from other elements present in the sample. Most of the methods used are non-destructive detection based on the detection of gamma radiation emitted by the irradiated material after or during irradiation.