Target preparation and neutron activation analysis: a successful story at IRMM

The main task of a target producer is to make well characterized and homogeneous deposits on specific supports. Alpha and/or gamma spectrometry are traditionally used to monitor the quality of actinide deposits. With the increasing demand for enriched stable isotope targets, other analytical techniques, such as ICP-MS and NAA, are needed. This paper presents the application of neutron activation analysis to quality control of “thin” targets, “thicker” neutron dosimeters and “thick” bronze disks prepared by the Reference Materials Unit at the Institute of Reference Materials and Measurements.