Determination of the f parameter for k(0)-neutron activation analysis at the Australian 20 MW OPAL research reactor

作者：Murrie R P; Quinton J S; Popelka Filcoff R S^*

来源：Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2013, 298(1): 77-86.

DOI：10.1007/s10967-013-2542-7

• Neutron activation analysis
• k(0)-standardisation
• f parameter
• Standard reference materials

In the k (0) method of standardisation in neutron activation analysis (k (0)-NAA), the ratio of thermal to epithermal neutrons, a value known as f, is fundamental in accurately determining the concentration of elements within the sample. Research into determining this f value via the cadmium ratio method was undertaken for two positions within the 20 MW Open Pool Australian Light water (OPAL) research reactor (Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia). A short irradiation and long irradiation position were assessed via two methods; the conventional cadmium ratio method based on the Hogdahl formalism, with f values of 2,666 +/- A 255 and 1,538 +/- A 258 being calculated respectively for the short and long positions, and an ASTM-INVAP-based cadmium ratio method, which allows for the higher neutron temperature of OPAL to be accounted for, with f values of 3,057 +/- A 318 and 1,755 +/- A 312 being calculated respectively. These values were validated by analysis of NIST standard reference materials (SRM (TM)), with good agreement between experimental values and reference and literature values being observed, showing the accuracy and suitability of these values for OPAL. Additionally, the high values of f shown endorse the strength of performing k (0)-NAA at OPAL. This manuscript publishes the first values of f from OPAL and provides a detailed description of the method employed.

• 出版日期2013-10