Calculation of uncertainties in prompt gamma activation analysis

A complete uncertainty calculation is presented of prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA), as is performed at the PGAA facility of the Budapest Neutron Center. The uncertainty values are derived for the calculation of the efficiency, the partial gamma-ray production cross-section and the component mass. It is shown that using the relative method of PGAA, the uncertainty values can be significantly reduced, especially taking into consideration the correlation between the efficiencies at close-lying energies. A method is proposed for the calculation of uncertainties of concentrations from those of component masses. The procedure is shown in an example and recommendations are given for keeping the uncertainties and error propagation of results originating from different laboratories under control.