Neutron activation analysis capabilities and applications at the Penn State Radiation Science and Engineering Center

The Penn State Breazeale Reactor has a long history of neutron activation analysis research and development, including applications for forensic applications. Our current experimental capabilities, including a 1 MW TRIGA reactor with a movable core and multiple irradiation locations, a pneumatic sample transfer system, multiple HPGe detectors, and a Compton suppression system, have enabled the development of an active NAA program investigating trace-element concentrations in environmental samples, archaeological samples, and industrial materials. Three NAA projects concerning tree-ring trace element analysis for correlation with large volcanic eruptions, ancient Italian tile element analysis to investigate Roman-era construction materials, and the implementation of k₀-standardization method, are highlighted to demonstrate how our facilities and our current NAA research experience make the Penn State RSEC readily available for high-precision trace element analysis for forensics applications.