Multi-Actinide Isotopic Measurements From A Single Sample By Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) is an analytical technique still in its infancy with respect to applications in nuclear forensics. This paper presents our first demonstration measuring both U and Pu isotopes in single samples, and highlights some of the strengths of the method including elemental selectivity. We show data demonstrating the ability to overcome isobaric (same mass) interferences between actinide species, as well as reproducible measurements of both U and Pu isotope ratios on the same sample. Analyzed samples include electrodeposited multi-actinide solutions used for proof-of-concept demonstrations, and low concentration synthetic multi-actinide glasses.