Analysis of Single Micro-Sized Uranium Particles by Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry

In this work, a method is described that allows measuring the U enrichment in small uranium oxides particles (less than 1 µm in diameter) by the use of Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS). This project is driven by the need of improving IRMM's capabilities in the area of low-level isotopic analysis for the support in "Environmental Sampling" for nuclear safeguards. The particle manipulation and analysis techniques presented here enable the examination of a single particle of interest by a combination of analytical techniques, thus yielding surface morphological, elemental and isotopic information. Individual particles of NUSIMEP-6 and NBS-200 samples containing pg-size amounts or uranium were analyzed. First experimental data showed the technique used in this work was an accurate method for the determination of the U isotope ratios, including the minor isotopes, which were derived with good precision.

KRAIEM Monia;  RICHTER Stephan;  KUEHN Heinz;  TRUYENS Jan;  STEFANIAK Elzbieta;  AREGBE Yetunde; 

2011-01-26

Institute of Nuclear Materials Management (INMM)

JRC59002