The process of activating materials by neutron absorption then measuring the emission of characteristic photons on decay to determine the relative abundance of elements in an object.

activation analysis. An extremely sensitive technique for analyzing trace amounts of elements in a sample. The sample is bombarded with neutrons in a nuclear reactor, making it radioactive. Different elements produce different 'signatures' in the induced radiation which makes determination of their concentration in the sample possible.

Analysis that determines the chemical composition of pottery by using a nuclear reactor to identify the trace elements present.