Systematic calculation of detection limits in INAA of single element matrices with a SLOWPOKE reactor

A computer code using a simple model for the simulation of γ-ray spectra has been written to evaluate detection limits in INAA of single-element matrices. The data base includes cross-sections for the (n, γ), (n, p) and (n, α) reactions that contribute to the activity of samples irradiated in the inner irradiation sites of a SLOWPOKE reactor. The values of the detection limits of 63 elements in 60 matrices are presented in a tabular form. Up to 4 radioisotopes per element were considered for a total of 114 radioisotopes. The program also lists the set of experimental conditions, selected from 7 sets which cover the range of practically used values of irradiation, decay and counting time, which yields for each radioisotope the lowest limit of detection. It also indicates, via a reduction factor, the maximum allowable sample size.