A proposed k0 based methodology for neutron activation analysis of samples of non-standard geometry

An internal mono-standard method has been proposed for multi element analysis. This method gives the relative concentration of the elements in a sample of non-standard shape and size. It utilizes an in-situ relative efficiency calibration and hence, does not need the cumbersome procedures, otherwise required to correct for -attenuation in the sample. To validate this method, the relative concentration of elements in IAEA RM's SL-3 and Soil-7 were analyzed with sample amounts ranging from a few milligrams to grams. The samples were counted in different non-specific geometries. The results are in good agreement with the recommended values, suggesting that this methodology could be applied for the analysis of samples of non-standard size and shape, and in principle, for the analysis of large samples.