Speaker
Description
Accelerator mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, neutron activation analysis and underground gamma-ray spectrometry have been investigated for ultra-sensitive analysis of long-lived radionuclides ($^{238}U$ and $^{232}Th$) in isotope sources and in construction materials designed for underground studies of rare nuclear processes and decays. Specific features of each method are compared with the aim to optimize analytical conditions for different types of samples. Detection limits below 1 nBq/g are feasible, depending on the analytical method and sample matrix. Analytical results obtained with various methods for different samples are presented, and limitations of presently available technologies and plans for future developments are discussed.
