A review of nuclear data for the k₀-based neutron activation analysis

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Nuclear Science and Technology, Vol.9, No. 1 (2019), pp. 28-33

A review of nuclear data

for the k₀-based neutron activation analysis

Ho Manh Dung^1*, Phonesavanh Lathdavong²

¹Center for Nuclear Techniques, 217 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

²Department of Science, Ministry of Science and Technology, Vientiane, Laos P.D.R.

*Corresponding author’s e-mail address: [email protected]om

(Received 28 June 2019, accepted 07 September 2019)

Abstract: Nuclear data for the k₀-based neutron activation analysis (k₀-NAA) including: k₀-factors –

combination of nuclear constants (atomic mass, isotopic abundance, gamma-ray yield and thermal

neutron capture cross section); Q₀– the ratio of the resonance integral to thermal neutron capture cross

section; and

– effective resonance energy, along with the related nuclear data are presented and

evaluated in the presentation. Accuracy and capability of k₀-NAA depends considerably on the

reliability of the above mentioned nuclear data. In general, the evaluation of nuclear data is essential

and necessary in the field of nuclear science and technology, and this work is conducted by the

nuclear data centers on the world as well as the research institutions where the nuclear data are used

for R&D. Therefore, the evaluation of the nuclear data used in k₀-NAA should also be performed so

that some of data may no longer be appropriate should be redetermined. The evaluation of nuclear

data in k₀-NAA would contribute to the improvement of accuracy and reliability of the method,

moreover, it would also contribute to the establishment a nuclear database in Vietnam in the future.

Keywords: Nuclear data, neutron activation analysis, k₀-standardized method.

reviewed the nuclear data of interest, but their

findings have not been included in the library

of new database, and so on. Therefore, this

presentation reviews all of the nuclear data (k₀,

I. INTRODUCTION

The k₀-based neutron activation analysis

(k₀-NAA) is based on the k₀factors – the

combined constant of nuclear data, determined

by experiment. Therefore, the accuracy of the

method depends on reliability of the k₀factors.

In addition, there are other related nuclear data

such as thermal neutron capture cross section

(₀), integral resonance (I₀) (or Q₀= I₀/₀) and

Q₀and

) for the elements of interest in k -

NAA. After reviewing, some data will be

chosen for re-determining and then the

experimental determination of selected data

should be carried out.

The nuclear data (k₀, Q₀and

) has

the effective resonance energy

( ).

been determined by experiment mainly in the

laboratories of Europe: Belgium, Hungary and

the Netherlands. Then, some other laboratories

in the US, Canada and Japan have been

involved in the implementation.

Currently, the first version of database and the

updated version [1,2] has widely used.

However, recent references show that some

data have only been determined just once 30

years ago but they have never been verified or

updated. Some k₀factors are considered as “not

yet approved”. Moreover, some of data of first

version have not yet been verified [3,4]. A

number of laboratories around the world have

Recently, the international scientific

committee of k₀-NAA has recommended for

re-determining of a number of k₀factors and

related nuclear data. It should be

HO MANH DUNG, PHONESAVANH LATHDAVONG

immplemented a review the k₀factors and

then use the HPGe detector based-spectrometer

to measure the gamma-ray spectrum. Finally,

using computer software to process the data

and calculate the results.

related nuclear data in k₀-NAA, aiming to

evaluate and re-determine some nuclear data of

interest. Nuclear data including 300 gamma

energy levels, 55 radionuclides, with 17 types

of reactions and decays of nuclear states in k₀-

NAA should be reviewed. Choose the

necessary data to re-determine by experiment

based on the updated criteria. The

establishment of the nuclear database includes,

Isotopes under investigation and

chosen convention

For all the determinations use was made

of the standards to which these materials,

mostly foils and wires, are especially suited

because of the minimum preparation required,

i.e. k₀, Q₀and

for the elements with

negligible

chances

mass

losses,

relevance radionuclides of interest in k₀-NAA,

homogeneity, stability and low uncertainty in

the certified content. Furthermore, several of

the diluted Al alloys or spiked paper filters can

be regarded as free from strong neutron self-

shielding effects during irradiations. The use of

the much simpler Høgdahl convention [5] over

the Westcott formalism [6] was chosen since

from Holden [7] it can be seen that only the

rhenium isotopes deviate slightly from the

1/v expected behavior. Their deviations are

so is essential and necessary.

The re-determination some of nuclear

data in k₀-NAA will contribute to the world‟s

nuclear database. Experimental methods used

in the nuclear research reactor are

characterized such as neutron flux, energy

spectrum deviation, coefficient of cadmium,

and so on measured by the spectrometers based

on HPGe detectors and the data processing by

specialized software. To evaluate the new

nuclear data and apply to real samples using k₀-

NAA. Compare the results using the new data

and the old data to prove the improvement of

the new data.

0.8 % at 60 C, while the temperature of our

channels is estimated to be 30 C. Table 1

displays the k_0,Aufactors and related nuclear

data for use in k₀-NAA.

Experimentally measured k_0,Aufactors

and related nuclear data for use in k₀-

standardized neutron activation analysis (k₀-

NAA) are given. Data for which the percent

uncertainty (relative standard error, s, in %) is

denoted as (–) bear an uncertainty estimated to

be about 5% (for k₀) or about 10% (for Q₀).

The symbols in Table 1 are explained as

followings:

II. METHODOLOGY

Review of reference documents related

to nuclear data in k0-NAA problem, from

which the nuclear data are summarized for

reviewing and choosing the appropriate cases

to re-determine by experiment in consideration

of ability of the laboratories the nuclear

research reactor as a neutron source causing

nuclear

reactions

for

research

and

El - Chemical symbol of the element;

Target isotope - Isotope of the target element;

Q₀=I0/₀- resonance integral to 2200-m/s

cross-section ratio; The relative standard error,

measurement systems as well as computer

software for data processing.

Experimental nuclear physics methods

used by bombarding the targets using pure

standards of the elements of interest in the

neutron field of the nuclear research reactor,

S, in %;

- Eﬀective resonance energy, in

keV; Formed isotope Isotope formed in the

reaction, together with the activation/decay

A REVIEW OF NUCLEAR DATA FOR THE K₀-BASED NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

further columns it is also indicated if the value

is affected by true coincidence summing or is

derived from summing a multiplet. The

revision dates and the relevant references are

also shown (see Table I). Neutron capture

cross-sections, resonance integrals and the

ratios of the two (Q₀), as well as the effective

code; T₁₌₂- Half-life; E- Gamma-ray energy,

in keV, adopted from Isotope Explorer (1999);

k_0,Au

- Measured k_0,Auratio, with the relative

standard error, S, in %; In our notation, 9.98E-

4 = 9.98  10^-4, etc.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

resonance energies (

) for the nuclides

The recommended nuclear data are

based on the data published in Refs. [8–10].

The values, references and comments have

been verified carefully and corrected where

typographical errors, data-handling (e.g.

rounding) errors, inconsistencies, or other

mistakes were found. All questionable data

were discussed one by one, and were modified

after a common agreement. All modifications

to the data and the rationale behind the

modification are traceable in the tables.

appearing in the table (see Table II).

Decay modes of the radioactive nuclides

formed during the activation can be found:

either  decays or isomeric transitions. The

branching ratios between  decays and

isomeric transitions also appear in the table.

Nuclides, the properties of the target and

product nuclides can be seen in the table. The

target nuclides are stable and their isotopic

abundances are given, while the products are

radioactive and their half-lives are shown in

the traditional units (see Table III).

In this work, the access version of the

IUPAC database [9] has been used in a table.

The obvious rounding errors (smaller than 0.1

%) were corrected and the all k₀factors are

written in the scientific format. Thus the values

listed in the tables contain the proper number

of significant digits. The present data contains

the followings:

Decay codes, most decays are type I,

where the radioactive state decays directly to

the very-short-lived gamma-emitting state.

Decays through several steps have the codes

from II to VII, which can be seen as “decay

code (n, )” and “decay code (n, f)” in Ref

[10]. There are data, which contain the most

important k₀and decay code for nuclides

produced by the neutron-induced fission of

uranium (see Table IV).

k₀– values, it lists the elements, their

isotopes and the gamma-ray energies together

with the k₀values and their uncertainties. In

Table I. Changes in the “k₀” values of the recommended data.

(%)

E

(keV)

Revised

Revision information

1,633.6 9.98E 04

1,345.8 4.98E 04

2,507.9 7.29E 03

1.2 2002-08-28

0.9 2002-08-28

Old revision on 2001-06-14. Published [7]

Removed Ref. [3], old k₀= 4.91E 4. Published [7]

Cu 64

Ga 72

1.3 2021-08-28* Published in Ref. [7]

*Type error, should be 2002-08-28.

264.7 7.11E 03

279.5 3.00E 03

400.7 1.43E 03

756.7 1.10E 04

555.8 6.92E 02

0.7 2002-08-28

1.2 2002-08-28

0.8 2002-08-28

1.3 2011-12-07

Removed Ref. [3], old k₀

7.25E 3. Published [7]

3.06E 3. Published [7]

1.45E 3. Published [7]

Eror in Ref. [7] for k₀, E-5 instead of E-4. Published [8].

Rh 104

1.5 2011-12-07* Type error in Ref. [7] for c_555.8(m/F2g), 0.0691 instead of

*The last publication Ref. [10] is also incorrect, with type error 0.651 instead of 0.0651. The correct value of

0.0651

HO MANH DUNG, PHONESAVANH LATHDAVONG

Pd 111

Sn 117

Tm 170

Ta 182

172.2 1.07E 05 1.4 2002-08-28

158.6 1.33E 05 2002-08-28

Removed Ref. [3], old k₀

9.04E 6. Published in Ref. [7]

1.35E 5. Published in Ref. [7]

4.30E 2. Published in Ref. [7]

1.61E 2. Published in Ref. [7]

84.3 3.26E 02 1.7 2000-12-31

152.4 1.62E 02 0.7 2011-12-07

Table I I . Changes in the “Capture‟‟ data of the recommended k₀database.

(%)

E , eV

Revised

Comments to revision

(%)

Na 23 10 0.59

Cl 37 10 0.69

3,380 11 Na 24

13,700 14 Cl 38

2011-12-14 dQ

4.7 is removed

4.1 is removed

41 10 0.87

3.0 2,960 7.1

2011-12-14 New Q and dQ from Ref. [7]. Removed Ref.

[3], old. Q

0.97 and no data for dQ

Sc 45 10 0.43

Cr 50 10 0.53

5,130 17 Sc 46

7,530 11 Cr 51

2011-12-14 Add dE from Ref. [2]

2011-12-14 dQ

2.4 is removed

Mn 55 10 1.053 3.0 468

11 Mn 56

2011-12-14 New dQ from Ref. [7]. Removed Ref. [3], old

2.6

Co 59 10

136

766

5.1 Co 60

17 Cu 66

2011-12-14 Add dE from Ref. [2]

Cu 65 10 1.06

2011-12-14 dQ

4.9 is removed

Zn 64 10 1.908 5.0 2,560 10 Zn 65

2011-12-14 New dQ from Ref. [7]. Removed Ref. [3], old

4.9

Sb 123 10 19.9

Au 197 10 15.7

28.2

1.8 5.65 7.1 Au 198 1 2011-12-14 Kept dQ from Ref. [3]

6.4 Sb 124 2 2011-12-14 Add dE from Ref. [2]

Table I I I . Changes in the “Nuclides” data of the recommended k₀database.

S Abu (%)

T_1/2

Unit

dT_1/2

0.3

Revised

Comment

1,925.3

1.017

2002-09-01

1993-03-15

5.271 Y in Ref. [7]

1/2

0.003

= 1.02 M in Ref. [7]

1/2

87 11 27.835

4.8E+10

2.73

1993-03-15 No info in Ref. [7]

Sb 125

Ba 140

0.03

0.01

12.746

1.4E+10

4.5E+09

Th 232 11 100

238 11 99.28

Table IV. Changes in the „„k₀(n,f)‟‟ data of the recommended k₀database

dk Revised Revision information

El.

E,

Ru 103 1 610.3 6.05E 05

Rh 105 2 129.6 1.85E 05

2011-12-07 Removed Ref. [7], old k

9.87E 5.

2.29E 5. Ref. [10]

Nd 147 1

91.1

2.41E 04

2011-12-07 k -data, type error in Ref. [6]: E

3 instead of E 4

guaranteed only if data from well-documented

sources are used. Recommended data libraries

or at least data sets evaluated are the best

choice. Such are the neutron cross sections and

resonance parameters, half-lives and gamma-

ray data from the Evaluated Nuclear Structure

and Decay Data File (ENSDF), as well as the

IV. CONCLUSIONS

An attempt has been made here to

present the state of the art concerning nuclear

data for k₀-NAA. In order to be on the safe

side, the experimentalist may follow a few

practical guidelines, which are given below.

Traceability of the experimental procedure is

A REVIEW OF NUCLEAR DATA FOR THE K₀-BASED NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

[3]. F. De Corte, A. Simonits, k0-measurements

and related nuclear-data compilation for (n,c)

reactor neutron activation analysis. J.

Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 133, p 43, 1989.

recommended set of gamma-ray standards for

detector calibration. Quality assurance

mandates that only data with clearly specified

uncertainties are used. The data sources that

are recommended here all satisfy this

requirement. On the other hand, some

frequently used books, tables of decay gamma-

rays, do not.

[4]. F. De Corte, A. Simonits, et al, Recent

advances in the k0-NAA: extensions,

applications, prospects. J. Radioanal. Nucl.

Chem. 169, p 125, 1993.

[5]. F. De Corte, S. Van Lierde, A. Simonits, et al, A

re-evaluation of k0 and related nuclear data for

the 555.8 keV gamma-line emitted by the Rh-

104m-Rh-104 mother-daughter pair for use in

NAA. J. Appl. Radiat. Isot. 51, p 701, 1999.

Old handbooks and compilations should

be used with precaution, or rather avoided

entirely, in that many of the data they contain

may have been superseded. (This does not

imply, however, that old data are wrong!)

Sometimes even widely used handbooks quote

data which should be disregarded as, for

instance, the Handbook of Radioanalytical

Chemistry reproducing the outdated tables.

[6]. F. De Corte, S. Van Lierde, Determination and

evaluation of fission k0-factors for correction

of the U-235 (n,f) interference in k0-NAA. J.

Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 248, p 97, 2001.

[7]. F. De Corte, A. Simonits, Recommended

nuclear data for use in the k0 standardization

of neutron activation analysis. At. Data Nucl.

Data Tables 85, p 47, 2003.

The most up-to-date resources are usually

those available on the Internet home pages of

professional data evaluation and distribution

centres, such as the IAEA Nuclear Data Section,

the NEA Data Bank, and the US National

Nuclear Data Center. A caution is required,

however, concerning uncontrolled Internet sites

providing various kinds of nuclear data.

[8]. V.P. Kolotov, F. De Corte, An electronic

database with a compilation of k0 and related

data for NAA. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 257,

p 501, 2003.

[9]. M. Blaauw, F. De Corte, Consistency of the

nuclear data in the fundamental databases for

use in the k0-method. J. Nucl. Inst. Meth.

Phys. Res. A 622, p 377, 2010.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This work was supported by the

National Foundation for Science and

[10].F. De Corte, The k0-standardization method: A

move to the optimization of neutron activation

analysis. Aggregate Thesis, Gent University,

Belgium, 1987.

Technology

Development

(NAFOSTED) project under Grant number

“103.04-2017.75”.

[11].F. De Corte. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 248, p

13, 2001.

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