Activation Analysis

Name:
Activation Analysis
Detailed information:
An extremely sensitive technique for identifying and measuring very small amounts of various elements. A sample is exposed to neutron bombardment in a nuclear reactor, for the purpose of producing radioisotopes from the stable elements. The characteristics of the induced radiations are sufficiently distinct that different elements in the sample can be accurately identified. The technique is particularly useful when concentration of the elements is too small to be measured by ordinary means. Trace elements have thus been determined in drugs, fertilizers, foods, fuels, glass, minerals, dusts, water, toxicants, etc.