Standardisation of the prompt gamma activation analysis method

A complete series of measurements was performed at the Budapest prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (PGAA) facility in order to determine the partial production cross sections of the most suitable neutron capture gamma rays for all naturally occurring elements, excluding noble gases. The values were determined directly, with internal standardisation using stoichiometric compounds and homogeneous mixtures (mainly water solutions) of known composition. A comparison with a recent measurement for 20 elements shows good agreement except for a few non-1/v cross sections. The new data are sufficiently accurate for quantitative multielement determinations in PGAA without the necessity of elemental standards.