Ultra-High-Resolution Alpha Spectrometry for Nuclear Forensics and Safeguards Applications

Year
2010
Author(s)
M. Bacrania - Los Alamos National Laboratory
A.L. Bond - Los Alamos National Laboratory
Mark P. Croce - Los Alamos National Laboratory
E. M. Bond - Los Alamos National Laboratory
J. H. Rim - Los Alamos National Laboratory
G. C. Hilton - National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO
V. Kotsubo - National Institute of Standards and Technology, Boulder, CO
R. Cantor - Star Cryoelectronics
Abstract
We will present our work on the development of ultra-high-resolution detectors for alpha particle spec- trometry. These detectors, based on superconducting transition-edge sensors, offer energy resolution that is ?ve to ten times better than conventional silicon detectors. Using these microcalorimeter detectors, the isotopic composition of mixed-actinide samples can be determined rapidly without the need for actinide separation chemistry to isolate each element, or mass spectrometry to separate isotopic signatures that can not be resolved using traditional alpha spectrometry (e.g. Pu-239/Pu-240, or Pu-238/Am-241). This paper will cover the detector and measurement system, actinide source preparation, and the quantitative isotopic analysis of a number of forensics- and safeguards-relevant radioactive sources.