Quantitative neutron capture resonance analysis verified with instrumental neutron activation analysis

The newly developed elemental analysis technique Neutron Resonance Capture Analysis (NRCA) was verified by analyzing a prehistoric bronze arrowhead with both NRCA and Instrumental Activation Analysis (INAA). In NRCA, elements are identified through their neutron resonance capture energies as determined through detection of prompt capture gamma-rays as a function of time of flight. The quantification is obtained from the resonance peak areas. Corrections are required for neutron-energy-dependent dead time and self-shielding, the latter also depending on Doppler broadening. The analysis program REFIT, of which the intended use is the determination of the resonance parameters, was used to this end. The agreement observed between INAA and NRCA results indicates that the NRCA results obtained are accurate.