Determination of k0 and Q0 factor for 165mDy in naa at Da Lat nuclear research reactor

Abstract

In the k₀-standardization method of neutron activation analysis (k₀-NAA), the accurate determination of nuclear constants such as the k₀ and Q₀ factors is essential, particularly for short-lived radionuclides like ^165mDy. However, the available nuclear data for these nuclides remain limited and outdated. This study aims to expand and update the k₀ and Q₀ databases for short-lived nuclides that have received little attention. The employed methodology is based on k₀-NAA, utilizing experimentally determined k₀ and Q₀ values in combination with nuclear parameters such as atomic mass, isotopic abundance, gamma emission probability, and thermal neutron capture cross section. The results show that the current database has been extended to include over 120 analytically significant (n,γ) reactions, and recent studies have contributed new data for nuclides with short half-lives. These efforts enhance the completeness of the nuclear database, improve analytical accuracy, and broaden the applicability of the k₀-NAA method for multi-element analysis, particularly in complex matrices or time-sensitive scenarios.