Activation analysis is a versatile technique used for determining the trace elemental composition of materials. The equipment used for activation analysis plays a vital role in performing sensitive elemental detection and quantification. In this article, we will explore the various types of activation analysis equipment available and their usage.

Sample Irradiation Systems

The first essential component is a sample irradiation system that exposes the sample to a neutron or charged particle flux. Two common types of irradiation systems used are neutron generators and research reactors.

Neutron generators: Portable neutron generators are compact table-top devices that produce neutrons via the reaction of deuterium ions impinging on a tritium or metallic target. They provide low-intensity monoenergetic neutron beams ideal for laboratory experiments. Some advantages are low cost, easy maintenance and isotope independence. However, their neutron flux is lower compared to reactors.

Research reactors: High neutron flux research reactors remain the workhorses for activation analysis. Reactors like the Oregon State TRIGA reactor can deliver thermal neutron fluxes up to 5x1013 n/cm2/sec. Multiple irradiation locations allow simultaneous irradiation of many samples. The high flux enhances sensitivity but reactors have high infrastructure costs and require isotope supplies.

Sample Detection Systems

After irradiation, the induced radioisotopes in the samples need to be detected. The most widely used detection techniques are gamma-ray spectroscopy and alpha/beta counting.

Gamma-ray spectroscopy: It uses high-purity germanium or sodium iodide detectors to measure the gamma photon energies emitted during the decay of radioactive nuclides. The photon spectra obtained provide elemental fingerprints for sensitive identification and quantification of elements present. Modern gamma detectors coupled to multi-channel analyzers andcomputers have pushed the limits of detection to parts-per-trillion levels for some elements.

Alpha/beta counting: For elements emitting principally alpha or beta particles, low-background proportional counters are used. Samples are deposited onto planchettes and counted over different time intervals to separate interfering activities and build up counts from long-lived isotopes. Results are expressed as counts per minute, becoming quantitative after applying appropriate decay and yield factors.

Automated Sample Handling

Modern Activation Analysis Equipment setups utilize automated sample changers to facilitate highthroughput irradiation and measurement of 50-100 samples without manual intervention. Motorized systems precisely position sample carriers in the neutron beam cave and detector chambers on preset schedules. Sample IDs are linked to acquired gamma or alpha/beta spectra for subsequent processing. This boosts productivity and minimizes risks from operator exposures.

Data Acquisition and Analysis

State-of-the-art multichannel analyzers digitize detector pulses, recording full-energy peaks in spectra. Sophisticated software performs peak searches, background subtractions, efficiency calibrations and quantitative analysis. Large spectral libraries aid in automated isotope identification. Results are archived and statistically analyzed to ensure validity. Modern PCs have entirely replaced obsolete hardware, improving flexibility, consistency and record-keeping for regulatory compliance.

Emerging Techniques

New developments are further enhancing analytical capabilities. Imaging plates replace liquid scintillation detectors in portable neutron activation analysis (NAA) setups for greater sensitivity. Accelerator-based isotope production offers higher yields than reactor NAA. Emerging fusion neutron sources like the European DEMO reactor promise an order of magnitude higher neutron flux than fission reactors. Advanced Bayesian statistics and machine learning help extract more information from complex spectra. Multi-disciplinary collaborations see applications of NAA expand into fields like cultural heritage, forensics and space exploration sample returns.

In summary, activation analysis instrumentation has evolved tremendously from early manual methods to today’s highly automated solutions integrating sophisticated neutron sources, radiation detectors and data analysis tools. This has enabled sensitivities down to parts-per-quadrillion levels and high-throughput capabilities essential for emerging applications. Continued investments in instrument R&D will help activation analysis thrive as a primary technique for quantitative multi-element composition determination across science and industry.

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