Editing Neutron activation analysis (section)

==Analytical capabilities==
NAA can detect up to 74 elements depending upon the experimental procedure, with minimum detection limits ranging from 0.1 to 1x10<sup>6</sup> ng g<sup>−1</sup> depending on element under investigation. Heavier elements have larger nuclei, therefore they have a larger neutron capture cross-section and are more likely to be activated. Some nuclei can capture a number of neutrons and remain relatively stable, not undergoing transmutation or decay for many months or even years. Other nuclei decay instantaneously or form only stable isotopes and can only be identified by PGNAA.

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Estimated detection limits for INAA using decay gamma rays (assuming irradiation in a reactor neutron flux of 1x10<sup>13</sup> n cm<sup>−2</sup> s<sup>−1</sup>)<ref name="missouri1"/>
! Sensitivity (picograms) !! Elements
|-
| 1 || Dy, Eu
|-
| 1–10 || In, Lu, Mn
|-
| 10–100 || Au, Ho, Ir, Re, Sm, W
|-
| 100–1000 || Ag, Ar, As, Br, Cl, Co, Cs, Cu, Er, Ga, Hf, I, La, Sb, Sc, Se, Ta, Tb, Th, Tm, U, V, Yb
|-
| 1000–10<sup>4</sup> || Al, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cr, Hg, Kr, Gd, Ge, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Os, Pd, Rb, Rh, Ru, Sr, Te, Zn, Zr
|-
| 10<sup>4</sup>–10<sup>5</sup> || Bi, Ca, K, Mg, P, Pt, Si, Sn, Ti, Tl, Xe, Y
|-
| 10<sup>5</sup>–10<sup>6</sup> || F, Fe, Nb, Ne
|-
| 10<sup>7</sup> || Pb, S
|}