Neutron Activation Isotope Element Analysis: Formation, Current State, Fields of Application and Ways of Further Development

Abstract. The article is devoted to the analysis of the development and current state of the isotope industry and isotope element analysis. The main areas of application of stable and radioactive isotopes in the national economy and scientific research are indicated, the existing methods of activation isotope-element analysis of complex substances are considered, and the uniqueness of the activation method for isotope analysis is emphasized. The main types of activation analysis of substances and typical examples of their practical application are considered. The gradual fading of researchers’ interest in the application and further development of activation analysis has been noted since the end of the last century, and possible reasons for this are analyzed. The main ways of further development of neutron activation analysis (NAA) are proposed, which make it possible to realize its undoubted advantages and consist in developing a common approach to multi-element NAA with the creation of a universal computerized isotope-element neutron activation analyzer.