neutron activation analysis
neutron-activation analysis. A method of identifying and analyzing physical evidence by measuring gamma rays emitted by a sample of material after that material has been bombarded with neutrons in a nuclear reactor. • This technique can be used, for example, to detect gunshot residue on the hand of someone who recently fired a gun. The analysis is usu. expensive to perform, but most courts allow the results into evidence. — Abbr. NAA.
