An uncertainty spreadsheet for the k0-standardisation method in Neutron Activation Analysis

This paper focuses on the use of the spreadsheet technique to set up the uncertainty budget for the k(0)-standardisation method in Neutron Activation Analysis. The adopted measurement model included most of presently recognized error sources and was written to limit the covariances between input quantities. The calculations were implemented in a worksheet file and tested in a multi-elemental analysis of a biological material. Besides, it was demonstrated that the k(0)-standardisation turns to the relative-standardisation when the monitor element corresponds to the analyte element. The developed worksheet is available and suitable for the analysis of other materials in different experimental conditions.