ASN Report 2020

1.1.2 Neutron activation Neutron activation consists in irradiating a sample with a flux of neutrons to activate the atoms in the sample. The number and the energy of the gamma photons emitted by the sample in response to the neutrons received are analysed. The information collected is used to determine the concentration of atoms in the analysed material. This technology is used in archaeology to characterise ancient objects, in geochemistry for mining prospecting and in industry (study of the composition of semiconductors, analysis of raw mixes in cement works). Given the activation of the analysed material, this requires parti­ cular vigilance with regard to the nature of the objects analysed. Articles R. 1333-2 and R. 1333-3 of the Public Health Code prohibit GRAPH 1B Breakdown of notifications by end-purpose in 2019 and 2020 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 Atmospheric dust measurement Elimination of static electricity Smoke detectors Calibration Teaching Chromatography Electron capture detectors X-ray fluorescence analysis Electronic tubes with pre-ionisation Number of facilities with a notification acknowledgement 2019 2020 367 363 20 33 12 24 10 14 4 6 1,106 1,934 34 50 0 1 0 0 GRAPH 1A Use of sealed radioactive sources 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000 X-ray fluorescence analysis 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Calibration Density measurement and weighing Thickness measurement Atmospheric dust measurement Thickness of thin layers Level measurement Paper weight measurement Humidity and density Diagraphy (logging) Elimination of static electricity Implementation of neutron sources Teaching Analysis Research Chromatography Electron capture detectors Gamma radiography Number of facilities licensed 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2020 241 08 – SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION AND THEIR INDUSTRIAL, VETERINARY AND RESEARCH APPLICATIONS 08