Fast-neutron activation analysis with short-lived nuclides

At the GKSS Research Center Geesthacht, a new 14 MeV activation facility—a 5·10¹² n/s neutron generator combined with a fast rabbit system (KORONA)—is being installed. Homogeneous neutron flux at a level of 5·10¹⁰ n·cm⁻²·s⁻¹ and sample transfer times of 140 ms to a 16m distant detector station are characteristic features of the facility described in the paper. With special consideration of short-lived nuclides and including cyclic activation, the analytical prospects with the intense neutron source are discussed, and sensitivities for 78 elements are presented.