Activation analysis is a versatile nuclear analytical technique used for determining the elemental composition of materials. It works on the principle of nuclear reactions— bombarding a sample with neutrons causes certain isotopes within the sample to become radioactive. These artificially induced radioisotopes can then be identified and quantified using gamma ray spectroscopy. The intensity of the emitted gamma rays is directly proportional to the concentration of the original isotopes in the sample. This allows activation analysis to detect elements at trace and ultra-trace levels with high sensitivity and accuracy.

Different Types of Activation Analysis Equipment

Neutrons Source: Activation Analysis Equipment The key component required is a neutron source to activate the sample. Common neutron sources used include neutron generators, reactors, and isotopic sources. Neutron generators produce fast neutrons via nuclear reactions and are compact benchtop instruments. Reactors provide a higher neutron flux for analyses requiring greater sensitivity. Isotopic sources like Californium-252 and Americium-Beryllium are portable alternatives.

Sample Irradiation and Counting Facilities: Samples need to be irradiated with neutrons for suitable periods depending on the material and required detection limits. This is done inside irradiation facilities located near neutron sources. After irradiation, samples are transferred to shielded counting stations for gamma spectrometry. Modern automated systems allow remote sample transfer between irradiation and counting modules via pneumatic sample transfer tubes.

Gamma-ray Detectors: Various types of gamma-ray detectors like NaI(Tl) scintillation detectors, germanium semiconductor detectors, and solid-state detectors are used for detecting the gamma rays emitted from radioactive samples. Germanium detectors provide the best resolution for identifying individual gamma ray photopeaks. Large volume coaxial and broad energy germanium (BEGe) detectors are commonly used.

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