[en] Numerical data and limits of detection related to the four irradiation modes, often used in activation analysis (reactor neutrons, 14 MeV neutrons, photon gamma and charged particles) are presented here. The technical presentation of the activation analysis is detailed in the paper P 2565 of Techniques de l'Ingenieur. (A.L.B.)

[en] This review describes the basics of PAA and gives an overview of the bremsstrahlung process-conversion of high energy electrons into photons, which are essential for PAA. Various photon sources, primarily electron accelerators and bremsstrahlung converters are described, and the challenges that must be overcome before they can become practical tools are discussed. Several issues, such as neutron production, heating of the converter and the sample, and sample alignment are addressed. (author)

[en] Short communication

[en] The application of activation analysis to high-purity metals is reviewed. The advantages, disadvantages and causes of error are discussed. Examples of applications are given and discussed, using neutron, photon and charged particle activation. The main advantage of activation analysis is to avoid and to remove contaminations. This leads to high accuracy even for very low concentrations. Finally, the main characteristics of new mass spectrometric methods versus activation analysis are discussed. (orig.)

[en] The determination of mass fraction of elements at major to trace levels with high precision and accuracy is a challenge. Activation analysis techniques in general and NAA, PGNAA and CPAA in particular are suitable for such purposes. These techniques are applied to diverse samples in different fields including geology, life sciences, environmental sciences, archaeology, metallurgy, material sciences, agriculture, nuclear technology, and forensic sciences. In addition to total mass fraction, it is important to characterize isotopic composition and chemical speciation of elements. It is also important to develop newer methodologies in activation analysis to deal with complex matrix samples for various elements of interest and also to achieve improved sensitivities and detection limits compared to complementary nuclear/radioanalytical as well as conventional analytical techniques. International Conference on Modern Trends in Activation Analysis (MTAA) is conducted once in every 4 years, since its inception in 1961, to discuss recent developments and applications as well as future prospects of activation analysis. The MTAA conferences, in reverse chronological order, were held at: Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India (MTAA-15, 2019), Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands (MTAA-14, 2015), Texas A&M University, College Station, USA (MTAA-13, 2011), Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Japan (MTAA-12, 2007), University of Surrey, Guildford, UK(MTAA-11, 2004), National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, USA (MTAA-10, 1999), Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea (MTAA-9, 1995), Technical University of Vienna Atominstitut, Vienna, Austria (MTAA-8, 1991), Riso National Laboratory, Copenhagen, Denmark (MTAA-7, 1986), University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (MTAA-6, 1981), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany (MTAA-5, 1976), CNRS du Cyclotron, Saclay, France (MTAA-4, 1972), National Bureau of Standards, Maryland, USA (MTAA-3, 1968), Texas A&M University, College Station, USA (MTAA-2, 1965) and Texas A&M University, College Station, USA (MTAA-1, 1961). The MTAA-15 was the very first MTAA conference ever held in India and it was organized by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) during November 17-22, 2019 at the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Convention Centre, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai-400094. It was organized in association with the International Committee on Activation Analysis (ICAA) and Indian Association of Nuclear Chemists & Allied Scientists (IANCAS) with partial funding from the Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), DAE, Government of India. The scope of MTAA-15 included areas such as Neutron activation analysis (NAA), Prompt gamma-ray NAA (PGNAA), Charged particle activation analysis (CPAA), Photon activation analysis (PAA), Fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA), k₀-based conventional & internal monostandard NAA & PGNAA, Preconcentration, radiochemical, chemical & speciation NAA, Research reactors, accelerators & other facilities for activation analysis, Instrumentation for activation analysis, Applications of activation analysis to various fields, Applications of activation products, Applications to reference materials & QA/QC in measurements, and Complementary radioanalytical techniques. (author)

[en] The principle, sample and calibration standard preparation, activation by neutrons, charged particles and gamma radiation, sample transport after activation, activity measurement, and chemical sample processing are described for activation analysis. Possible applications are shown of nondestructive activation analysis. (J.P.)

[en] Short communication

[en] Without quality historical records that provide the composition of legacy materials, the elemental and/or chemical characterization of such materials requires a manual analytical strategy that may expose the analyst to unknown toxicological hazards. In addition, much of the existing legacy inventory also incorporates radioactivity, and, although radiological composition may be determined by various nuclear-analytical methods, most importantly, gamma-spectroscopy, current methods of chemical characterization still require direct sample manipulation, thereby presenting special problems with broad implications for both the analyst and the environment. Alternately, prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) provides a 'single-shot' in-situ, non-destructive method that provides a complete assay of all major entrained elemental constituents.1-3. Additionally, neutron activation analysis (NAA) using short-lived activation products complements PGAA and is especially useful when NAA activation surpasses the PGAA in elemental sensitivity

[en] This current bibliography has been compiled of the INIS database. It is arranged in the alphabetical order of first authors names and it consists of 115 items

[en] Rainwater is still commonly consumed in daily life in many areas in Thailand. The quality of the rainwater at each area is different depending on its circumstance. Since rain leaches air particulate matter and mixes it in rainwater, then rainwater is contaminated of some elements and compounds in soluble fraction and insoluble fraction. In this study, rainwater was collected at the Office of Atoms for Peace during April to July 2002 with wet and dry precipitation collector. Some elements were analyzed by NAA in both fractions. It was found that Ca, Mn, Mg, V, Sb, Br, K, Na, As and Zn were in soluble fraction more than in insoluble fraction. The high enrichment factor which identify the element of anthropogenic pollutant load, of these elements were Ca, Sb, Br, K, As and Zn. For the insoluble fraction, Al, Ti, Sc and Fe were found higher than soluble fraction. The enrichment factor of them were low