Experimental determination of k 0 , Q 0 , \bar{E}_{r} factors and neutron cross-sections for 41 isotopes of interest in Neutron Activation Analysis

The k ₀ -literature has been reviewed every decade but some of its nuclear data is still more than 30 years old. Sometimes Q ₀ values were adopted from the nuclear data at that time or were experimentally determined by only 1 laboratory. Other isotopes were listed with accurate pairs of (k ₀ , Q ₀ ) values but were also quoted as candidates for redetermination for different reasons (i.e. imprecise cadmium transmission factors, half-lives). In this work we aim at the experimental re-determination of k ₀ and Q ₀ values for 41 isotopes of analytical interest while introducing a methodology for simultaneous $ \bar{E}_{r} $ and Q ₀ determination employing N irradiation channels. In order to satisfy the metrological level required, up to 12 repeats per standard were irradiated in up to 4 irradiation channels of the Belgian Reactor 1 (BR1, SCK?CEN) having a wide spread in neutron characteristics. Our relative percentile differences to the literature values were usually ≤10 % for Q ₀ factors, ≥25 % for $ \bar{E}_{r} $ values and ≤4 % for k ₀ values. Our precision and accuracy are discussed thoroughly.