A novel technique for Raman analysis of highly radioactive samples using any standard micro-Raman spectrometer

A novel approach for the Raman measurement of nuclear materials is reported in this paper. It consists of the isolation of the sample in an alpha-radiation and atmosphere-tight capsule, optionally filled to pressure up to 20 bars of a chosen atmosphere. The micro-Raman measurement is done through an optical grade quartz window. This technique prevents the nuclearization of any part of the Raman instrument and allows the use of all Raman spectroscope options like multi-wavelength laser excitation, different polarization, single or triple spectroscope modes. The only limitation is the necessity of using a long focal microscope objective for the measurements. Some examples of measurement are shown and discussed. First some spectral features of a highly radioactive americium oxide sample (AmO2). Another example is the investigation of Raman features of neptunium oxide (NpO2) samples, demonstrating the usefulness of three different excitation wavelengths, the influence of the isotope 17 of oxygen (17O) doping and the use of triple mode configuration to access anti-stokes Raman spectrum, the latter allows us to estimate the temperature. Eventually some data are shown measured on a sample from the Chernobyl lava, where phases are identified by Raman mapping.

COLLE Jean-Yves;  NAJI Mohamed;  SIERIG Mark;  MANARA Dario; 

2017-04-28

JOURNAL OF VISUALIZED EXPERIMENTS

JRC101094

1940-087X,   

https://www.jove.com/video/54889,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC101094,   

10.3791/54889,