Isotopic Analysis Of UF6 In The Field By Laser Absorption Spectroscopy

We have developed a new method for the determination of UF6 levels of enrichment of in the field. The method relies on using the Single-Use Destructive Assay (SUDA) sampling protocol for collecting UF6 gas that is absorbed as uranyl fluoride in a solid zeolite matrix of a SUDA sampler, which then is directly analyzed for isotope ratio determinations. A small amount of matrix is heated in a high-temperature micro-crucible, the uranyl fluoride is chemically reduced in situ by a metal reducing agent, and an atomic beam of neutral uranium is produced. This atomic beam is interrogated by a narrow linewidth diode laser and the isotopic absorption spectrum is measured. The level of enrichment is determined by comparing the relative contributions of U-235 and U-238 to the absorption signal.