activation analysis

An analytical technique that can be used to detect most elements when present in a sample in milligram quantities (or less). In neutron activation analysis the sample is exposed to a flux of thermal neutrons in a nuclear reac­tor. Some of these neutrons are cap­tured by nuclides in the sample to form nuclides of the same atomic number but a higher mass number. These newly formed nuclides emit gamma radiation, which can be used to identify the element present by means of a gamma-ray spectrometer. Activation analysis has also been em­ployed using charged particles, such as protons or alpha particles.