ZAKI: a windows-based ko standardization code for in-core INAA

A new computer code ZAKI, for ko-based INAA standardization, written in Visual Basic for the WINDOWS environment is described. The parameter α measuring the deviation of the epithermal neutron spectrum shape from the ideal 1/E shape, and the thermal-to-epithermal flux ratio f, are monitored at each irradiation position for each irradiation using the “triple bare monitor with ko” technique. Stability of the irradiation position with respect to α and f is therefore assumed only for the duration of the irradiation. This now makes it possible to use ko standardization even for in-core reactor irradiation channels without an a priori knowledge of α and f values as required by existing commercial software. ZAKI is considerably versatile and contains features which allow for use of several detectors at different counting geometries, direct inputing of peak search output from GeniePc, and automatic nuclide identification of all gamma lines using an in-built library. Sample results for two certified reference materials are presented.