Neutron Physics Research Group

A nondestructive analytical method was developed to monitor the activity and corrosion products in the water samples of the primary coolant of the Budapest Research Reactor. The activity of radionuclides in water and gas samples taken from the primary circuit have been measured for more than four years to monitor the technological parameters of the research reactor during normal operation.

Classic (n,γ) reactor neutron activation analysis (RNAA) is still preserving its role as a "workhorse" for the vast amount of analytical work. Combined with computerized high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry, RNAA offers mostly nondestructive, multi-element routine analysis needed in such areas as environmental monitoring, geochemistry, medicine and technological processes.