Neutron activation analysis

Neutron activation analysis identifies and quantifies elements by irradiating a sample with neutrons and measuring radiation emitted by the resulting radioactive isotopes.

Neutron capture: A nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus absorbs a neutron. Captured neutrons create the radioactive isotopes whose emissions NAA measures.
Archaeometry: The application of scientific methods to investigate archaeological materials and objects. Elemental patterns can help characterize artifacts and compare their material sources.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: An analytical technique that ionizes samples in a plasma and separates ions by mass-to-charge ratio. ICP-MS is a competing multi-element method that usually consumes and chemically prepares the sample.
Isotope: One of two or more atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons. Activation produces radioactive isotopes whose signatures identify the original elements.
Radioactive decay: The spontaneous transformation of an unstable atomic nucleus, often accompanied by emitted radiation. Activated isotopes decay into signals used to identify and quantify elements.
Forensic science: The application of scientific methods to questions investigated by the legal system. Trace-element profiles can help compare evidence with possible sources.
X-ray fluorescence: An analytical method that identifies elements from characteristic X-rays emitted after excitation. XRF often measures samples nondestructively without neutron irradiation.
Radioactivity: The spontaneous emission of radiation from unstable atomic nuclei. NAA detects radioactivity induced in the sample by neutron exposure.
Gamma spectroscopy: The measurement of gamma-ray energies and intensities to identify emitting radionuclides. Gamma spectra distinguish many activated isotopes by their characteristic energies.
Geochemistry: The study of Earth’s chemical composition and the processes that distribute elements. NAA measures trace elements in rocks, minerals, and other geological samples.

Linked from 23 pages