Microtron photon activation analysis

The application of microtron photon activation analysis with radiochemical separation in environmental and biological samples was described by Randa et al. (2001), and both flame and plasma emission spectroscopic methods are also widely used. A more recently developed technique is that of laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (LEAFS) (Cheam et al. 1998). 

Randa Z, Kucera j and Soukal L (2001) Possibilities of simultaneous determination of lead and thallium in environmental and biological samples by microtron photon activation analysis with radiochemical separation. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 248 149-154. 

Of these accelerators, two types have mostly been used for photon activation analysis, namely the linear accelerator (also called linac) and the microtron. These and other accelerators will not be described in detail here since normally the analyst is engaged in the sample handling, activity measurement, and data processing rather than in the operation of the radiation sources, which is usually done by separate operating personnel. 

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