Maximizing Utilization of Neutrons at a Research Reactor by Employing Automation of Irradiation and Counting Procedures for Thermal and Epithermal NAA, Cyclic NAA and Compton Suppression

One major realistic improvement in neutron activation analysis is the automation of irradiation and counting facilities. Incorporating thermal and epithermal neutrons for short-, medium- and long-lived NAA can truly expand the array of elements that can be determined. The addition of Compton suppression techniques with automatic sample changers can still further drastically lower detection limits for elements not traditionally determined by routine NAA methods. At the Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory at The University of Texas we have significantly developed capabilities in employing thermal and epithermal irradiation procedures including cyclic activation analysis. Automated counting procedures for Compton suppression and prompt-gamma have significantly reduced personnel time and human errors. (author)