Direct measurement of k o for monitor neutron activation analysis

Abstract

This paper introduces the thermal column or the cold neutron guide beam of the 20 MW NBSR at the National Institute of Standards and Technology as a direct k o measurement facility. Measurement of k o at this facility not only produces accurate values, but avoids the additional correction factors needed in other measurement methods. The k o of Sb, Ag and Cr with respect to Sc as monitor have been measured and their values are comparable to values based on tabulated nuclear constants and to those measured by other researchers.