A study of flux monitoring for instrumental neutron activation analysis

The accuracy of instrumental neutron activation analysis is dependent upon measurement of the neutron flux to which samples are submitted. Flux monitoring techniques described and evaluated include: target cooling water activity, BFa counters, plastic scintillators, and a simple reference sample system. Evaluation is made on the basis of results obtained for oxygen analysis using primary standard materials. The superiority of the reference sample system for flux measurement during irregular neutron flux production is shown.