3. Trace measurement by activation

3.1 Activation methods

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is a nuclear method for determining the overall content of trace elements in a material. Its principle involves making elements in a material radioactive by subjecting them to a neutron flux. The radioelements thus formed can be γ or, more rarely, β emitters of characteristic energies and periods. The intensity of the radiation detected is proportional to the number of atoms of the element initially present. Their concentrations can therefore be deduced (cf. P. Berger and G. Revel. Revel [P 2 563]...