Neutron Activation Analysis: Method, Limits and Indian Context (UGC-NET Unit II)

Advanced UGC-NET Forensic Science Unit II drill on neutron activation analysis (NAA): thermal neutron capture and the activation equation, instrumentation (TRIGA-class research reactors, HPGe gamma spectrometry), INAA versus RNAA, sensitivity by element (ppb to ppt for many trace metals, poor for H, C, N, O), historical forensic cases (Napoleon's hair arsenic at Harwell 1961, JFK bullet lead by Guinn 1976, Zachary Taylor 1991 refutation, GSR Pb-Sb-Ba in the 1970s), the displacement of NAA by ICP-MS, and the Indian context at BARC Trombay, IGCAR Kalpakkam, and CFSL. Hard-band stems test which trade-off, isotope or reactor parameter applies to a specific casework or instrumentation scenario.