What is Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)?

NAA is a physical technique that is based on nuclear reactions. There is no pretreatment of samples which are packaged then irradiated in a research reactor. The samples become radioactive when neutrons interact with the nuclei of the elements’ atoms. Radioisotopes are formed and subsequently decay by emitting gamma rays that are unique in half-life and energy. These distinct energy-signatures provide positive identification of the targeted elements present, while their intensity is proportional to the concentration of the element in the sample.

Advantages of NAA

• Sensitivities to parts per billion for specific elements.
• Acknowledged "referee method": an independent technique; generally free of matrix effects and contamination from laboratory chemicals.
• Cost effective, timely analysis.
• High-sample volume capability.
• One simple method can analyze 30+ separate elements.
• Analysis can be customized to a client’s precise needs.
• Processing of large (up to 40 gram) samples where sub-sampling is a concern.
• Milligram-sample analysis; where samples are precious or limited.

Applications

• NAA is perfectly suited for routine quality control, trace level contaminants and complete elemental characterization.
• NAA is especially attractive for matrices that are not suited for other analytical methods.
• NAA is an alternative procedure that expands and verifies results obtained by other analytical techniques.

Analysis Packages

• Geological Characterization
• Geochemical Exploration - soils, sediments, rocks, drill core
• Ultra-trace - high purity materials such as quartz, graphite, alumina
• Coal/Coal Ash - includes fly ash, bottom ash
• Plastics, Polymers or Organics
• Agricultural, Environmental or Biological - feed, crops, biosolids
• Liquids - includes waters, leachates, effluents, oils

Geological Speciality Packages

• Rare Earth Elements - for exploration or research
• Platinum Group Elements (PGE’s) - including PGE partial package
  

Other

• Short Lived Elements Packages
• Halogens
  
• Fluorine
• Silicon
• Boron
• Uranium

For 20 years we have specialized in solving inorganic, analytical problems for our clients.
We provide a consultative approach for our clients’ unique needs.