Analytical Capabilities
NAA can detect up to 74 elements depending upon the experimental procedure, with minimum detection limits ranging from 0.1 to 1x106 ng g−1 depending on element under investigation. Heavier elements have larger nuclei, therefore they have a larger neutron capture cross-section and are more likely to be activated. Some nuclei can capture a number of neutrons and remain relatively stable, not undergoing transmutation or decay for many months or even years. Other nuclei decay instantaneously or form only stable isotopes and can only be identified by PGNAA.
| Sensitivity (picograms) | Elements |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dy, Eu |
| 1–10 | In, Lu, Mn |
| 10–100 | Au, Ho, Ir, Re, Sm, W |
| 100–1000 | Ag, Ar, As, Br, Cl, Co, Cs, Cu, Er, Ga, Hf, I, La, Sb, Sc, Se, Ta, Tb, Th, Tm, U, V, Yb |
| 1000–104 | Al, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cr, Hg, Kr, Gd, Ge, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Os, Pd, Rb, Rh, Ru, Sr, Te, Zn, Zr |
| 104–105 | Bi, Ca, K, Mg, P, Pt, Si, Sn, Ti, Tl, Xe, Y |
| 105–106 | F, Fe, Nb, Ne |
| 107 | Pb, S |
Read more about this topic: Neutron Activation Analysis
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