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

Year
2010
Author(s)
Y. Aregbe - Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements
M. Kraiem - Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements
H. Kühn - Institute for Reference Materials and Measurements
Abstract
In this work, a method is described that allows measuring the U enrichment in small uranium oxide 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 the IRMM’s capabilities in the area of low-level isotopic analysis for the support in “Environmental Sampling” for nuclear safeguards. The experimental procedure presented here enables 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 of 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.