Seminar: Shape-Independent Model of Monitor Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract

Neutron activation analysis is a technique that started over 75 years ago. Over these years, it faced several challenges: 1) competition from other techniques for elemental characterization; 2) understanding or need there is, of some of the nuclear reactions with material and the matrix effects; 3) nuclear instrumentations, specifically, for gamma spectroscopy; and 4) availability or lack there is, of neutron sources. This presentation will highlight how these challenges have shaped NAA to be a unique capability.

About the speaker

Siaka Yusuf obtained his PhD in nuclear engineering at the University of Michigan in 1993 under Professor Fleming. He was Fleming’s first PhD student and graduate. His thesis was titled “Shape-independent model of monitor neutron activation analysis.” After graduation he took a post doctoral position at the General Motors Technology Center in Warren, Michigan, from 1993 to 1995 as a problem solver. From 1995 to 1999 he was the lead designer of bulk material analyzer using PGNAA at Gamma Metrics Company in San Diego, California. He came back to Michigan in 1999 to join the Dow Chemical Company to work at the Dow TRIGA Research Reactor (DTRR). He is currently a research scientist and the reactor supervisor. His research area primarily focuses on using nuclear technique to solve measurement problems. During this seminar he will appear independently and present his independent model of doing neutron activation analysis.

Hosted by Prof. Vaibhav Sinha and Joseph Talnagi.