The advantage of neutrons is, that they are sensitive to many light elements, whereas x-rays are more sensitive to heavier elements e.g. the components of steel. Using neutrons one can visualize glue within the metal sheet of a car or plane. Even for arts and archaeology (cultural heritage), neutrons are important as the composition and changes of a painting can sometimes be analysed only by neutrons as they give a different picture for different kind of paints.

Neutron sources, commonly used at airports and borders, contain material, which is produced in a research reactor. A detector equipped with a californium 252 source can detect explosives hidden under a metal cover. These sources have been also used in industry to look for moisture, sign of microscopic cracking and early corrosion in metals e.g. in the wings of an aircraft. The application of neutrons is still increasing and is supported by new detection techniques and new neutron sources.

Neutron activation analysis is an important technique for elemental analysis in water, air, soil, fish, meteorites, rocks, and even agricultural products and plants. The samples are irradiated in a reactor and later the spectrum of emitted gamma radiation is analysed.