Oxygen determination by fast neutron activation

A method for the determination of oxygen based on the reaction¹⁶O(n, p)¹⁶N is suggested. The samples are irradiated in stainless steel capsules with fast neutrons. The total neutron flux passing through the sample is proportional to the flux passing through the wall of the capsule. Therefore, the activity induced in the capsule according to the reaction⁵⁶Fe(n, p)⁵⁶Mn can be used to monitor the neutron flux through the sample. Thus, the necessity of maintaining the sample in an exact position during the irradiation is eliminated.