Assessing Uranium Enrichment Levels Using Digital Autoradiography

Background: Assessing uranium (U) enrichment levels in uranium dioxide (UO2) pellets is critical for nuclear forensics and ensuring compliance with non-proliferation policies. This study presents a novel analytical method utilising digital autoradiography with a commercial imaging plate scanner to enhance the assessment of U enrichment levels. By comparing various imaging plates and exposure times, the study aims to establish optimal conditions for measurement accuracy and reproducibility. Results: The research involved a comparison of Duerr NDT and Fujifilm BAS-TR2025 imaging plates across different exposure durations. Utilising custom Python software facilitated efficient data management, enabling precise extraction of quantitative information from sample contours and pixel signal intensities. An internal standardisation technique based on specific activity was developed, resulting in a notable reduction of the relative standard deviation (RSD) from 20 % to approximately 2.2 % for natural and low-enriched uranium samples. The findings indicated a systematic shift of merely - 1.1 % for these samples, demonstrating high accuracy. However, underestimation was observed in depleted uranium samples. Background signals from cosmic rays and hot pixels were found to be negligible, further validating the method’s reliability. Significance: This study establishes a rapid and reliable quantitative digital autoradiography method for assessing uranium enrichment in UO2 pellets. The findings significantly enhance measurement precision, making this approach a valuable tool for nuclear forensics.

KRACHLER Michael;  MARTINEZ FERRI Ana Isabel;  BULGHERONI Antonio; 

2025-05-15

ELSEVIER

JRC140255

1873-4324 (online),   

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003267025004672?via%3Dihub,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC140255,   

10.1016/j.aca.2025.344073 (online),