Neutron activation

Neutron activation is the process in which thermal neutrons induce radioactivity in matter. The activity (A) follows from the formula:

A = σ × n × φ × (1 - e-λ×t)

A = activity (in Bq)
σ = cross section (in m2)
n = number of irradiated atoms
φ = neutron fluence rate (in m-2·s-1)
λ = decay constant (in s-1)
t = irradiation time (in s)

Related quantities

  • cross section
  • fluence
  • flux

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