Economic efficiency of radionuclide neutron sources

Neutron sources based on various radionuclides are widely used in technological monitoring in many branches of industry, geological prospecting and also in medicine. Factors affecting the efficiency of radionuclide neutron sources (RNS) are discussed. The method considered here enables the formulation of comparative economic estimates at the stages of development and application of RNS in the solution of several problems such as: determining the limits of competitiveness of RNS based on different radionuclides; and also of RNS and other types of NS; determining the efficiency of utilization of specific RNS in comparison with conventional methods of performing the work; justifying the nomenclature of RNS manufacture with specific radionuclides as well as other areas described here