The concept of the development and practical testing of the "Fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA)" method at the EG-5 accelerator, FLNP JINR

At the moment, FLNP is practicing some types of nuclear-physical methods of matter elemental analysis, such as neutron-activation analysis with irradiation of samples directly in the "hot" zone of the reactor, X-ray fluorescence, activation on thermal neutrons with instant registration. The work of the "Accelerator EG-5" group was carried out on the theoretical justification and feasibility of developing a new method for the laboratory neutron activation analysis using fast neutron with instantaneous gamma rays on the electrostatic particle accelerator. The method of obtaining a neutron flux is not new and is well studied. The neutron flux density when using a gas target an energy of the order of 4-5 MeV is 4*10^{7 cm2}/sec. with. When using a solid target, a flux of 1*10^{9 cm2} /sec can be achieved with an energy of 10-14 MeV. FNAA complements existing methods of elemental analysis with work with the determination of light particlesisotopes, combining all the advantages of the described methods, such as: completely indestructible sample, simple sample preparation, as well as an extremely low degree of activation with the possibility of further work with the material. (author)