Sr/Ca mass ratio determination in bones using fast neutron activation analysis

The Sr/Ca mass ratio in human bones reveals information regarding the diet which is of interest in archaeology. By using fast neutron activation analysis this ratio can be measured in a non-destructive manner, which is important when bones are considered too precious to allow for destructive analysis. Simulations and measurements showed that the nuclear reactions 88Sr(n, 2n)87mSr and 44Ca(n, p)44K are highly useful for the purpose.