Determination of cobalt in nickel in the sub-ppm level with cold neutrons

The determination of cobalt in nickel with neutron activation analysis (NAA) is hindered by an interfering nuclear reaction induced by fast neutrons. To overcome this obstacle cold neutron beam irradiation has been carried out. As a result, a cobalt concentration of 0.25±0.02 µg/g in nickel foil has been determined. This nickel foil is intended to become a reference material for neutron dosimetry.