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Savina MR, Isselhardt BH, Shulaker DZ, Robel M, Conant AJ, Ade BJ. Simultaneous isotopic analysis of fission product Sr, Mo, and Ru in spent nuclear fuel particles by resonance ionization mass spectrometry. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5193. [PMID: 36997559 PMCID: PMC10063544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32203-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fission product Sr, Mo, and Ru isotopes in six 10-μm particles of spent fuel from a pressurized water reactor were analyzed by resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) and evaluated for utility in nuclear material characterization. Previous measurements on these same samples showed widely varying U, Pu, and Am isotopic compositions owing to the samples' differing irradiation environments within the reactor. This is also seen in Mo and Ru isotopes, which have the added complication of exsolution from the UO2 fuel matrix. This variability is a hindrance to interpreting data from a collection of particles with incomplete provenance since it is not always possible to assign particles to the same batch of fuel based on isotopic analyses alone. In contrast, the measured 90Sr/88Sr ratios were indistinguishable across all samples. Strontium isotopic analysis can therefore be used to connect samples with otherwise disparate isotopic compositions, allowing them to be grouped appropriately for interpretation. Strontium isotopic analysis also provides a robust chronometer for determining the time since fuel irradiation. Because of the very high sensitivity of RIMS, only a small fraction of material in each of the 10 μm samples was consumed, leaving the vast majority still available for other analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Savina
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Livermore, CA, USA.
| | - Brett H Isselhardt
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Danielle Z Shulaker
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Martin Robel
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Nuclear and Chemical Sciences Division, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Andrew J Conant
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Material Security and Counterproliferation, Nuclear Nonproliferation Division, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Brian J Ade
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Research and Test Reactor Physics Group, Nuclear Energy and Fuel Cycle Division, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
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Krachler M, Ferri AIM, Bulgheroni A. Influence of UO 2 crystal orientation on laser ablation performance. Micron 2023; 168:103445. [PMID: 36963274 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2023.103445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Crystallographic orientation dependence deteriorates the performance of surface analysis methods such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and focused ion beam (FIB). This study explores the corresponding potential challenges of laser ablation (LA) as a powerful sampling tool for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). To this end, three UO2 single crystals of different orientation as well as polycrystalline UO2 were produced and characterized. Subsequently, a ns-laser ablation system was employed to study laser-matter interaction in detail. Firing the laser continuously at 1 Hz with various single shot fluence (2, 4, 6, 8, 12 J cm-2) for diverse periods created LA craters impacted by cumulative fluence between 50 and 650 J cm-2. Repeated LA experiments on the (100) plane of a UO2 single crystal at the beginning and end of the entire study revealed highly reproducible (<3%) LA rates, only limited by the fluctuation of the laser energy output of the ns-LA system. After thorough cleaning of the ablated samples, surface roughness and average depth of LA craters were determined using confocal laser scanning profilometry. Both LA rate and average depth of craters decreased exponentially with increasing single shot fluence independently of the crystal orientation. Surface roughness increased linearly with increasing cumulative fluence having largest intensification for lowest single shot fluence. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images not only revealed the conical silhouette of LA craters, but also identified a convex meniscus at its bottom. This particular shape of the crater bottom with a deeper ring surrounding the central region is a result of melted and re-solidified UO2 generated during the LA process and the main limiting factor for the achievable depth resolution. The rapid re-solidification of the liquid phase after each single laser shot created tiles of different shape and orientation, depending on UO2 crystal orientation. Three different types of ejected particles radially distributed around the LA craters were identified by SEM, providing profound insights into laser-UO2 interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Krachler
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre Karlsruhe, P.O. Box 2340, D-76125 Karlsruhe, Germany.
| | | | - Antonio Bulgheroni
- European Commission - Joint Research Centre Karlsruhe, P.O. Box 2340, D-76125 Karlsruhe, Germany
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Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of isotopically heterogeneous uranium materials. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-022-08485-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractA reliable and accurate laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) method was developed for analysis of inhomogeneous samples containing uranium particles or aggregates of various enrichments. For the method development, a mixed solid standard was prepared using 1% and 3% 235U enriched certified reference materials. After screening and localization of the particles of interest, the U isotopic composition was analysed for a 5-µm sample spot determining accurately and precisely the various constituents. Besides the LA-MC-ICP-MS, the standard was also measured by large-geometry secondary ion mass spectrometry (LG-SIMS) for additional verification.
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Varga Z, Wallenius M, Krachler M, Rauff-Nisthar N, Fongaro L, Knott A, Nicholl A, Mayer K. Trends and perspectives in Nuclear Forensic Science. Trends Analyt Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Rush LA, Cliff JB, Reilly DD, Duffin AM, Menoni CS. Isotopic Heterogeneity Imaged in a Uranium Fuel Pellet with Extreme Ultraviolet Laser Ablation and Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2021; 93:1016-1024. [PMID: 33314923 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c03875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We use extreme ultraviolet laser ablation and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (EUV TOF) to map uranium isotopic heterogeneity at the nanoscale (≤100 nm). Using low-enriched uranium fuel pellets that were made by blending two isotopically distinct feedstocks, we show that EUV TOF can map the 235U/238U content in 100 nm-sized pixels. The two-dimensional (2D) isotope maps reveal U ratio variations in sub-microscale to ≥1 μm areas of the pellet that had not been fully exposed by microscale or bulk mass spectrometry analyses. Compared to the ratio distribution measured in a homogeneous U reference material, the ratios in the enriched pellet follow a ∼3× wider distribution. These results indicate U heterogeneity in the fuel pellet from incomplete blending of the different source materials. EUV TOF results agree well with those obtained on the same enriched pellets by nanoscale secondary ionization mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), which reveals a comparable U isotope ratio distribution at the same spatial scale. EUV TOF's ability to assess and map isotopic heterogeneity at the nanoscale makes it a promising tool in fields such as nuclear forensics, geochemistry, and biology that could benefit from uncovering sub-microscale sources of chemical modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia A Rush
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
| | - John B Cliff
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Dallas D Reilly
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Andrew M Duffin
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington 99354, United States
| | - Carmen S Menoni
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, United States
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Kautz E, Cliff J, Lach T, Reilly D, Devaraj A. Correlating nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry and atom probe tomography analysis of uranium enrichment in metallic nuclear fuel. Analyst 2021; 146:69-74. [PMID: 33163997 DOI: 10.1039/d0an01831g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Accurate measurements of 235U enrichment within metallic nuclear fuels are essential for understanding material performance in a neutron irradiation environment, and the origin of secondary phases (e.g. uranium carbides). In this work, we analyse 235U enrichment in matrix and carbide phases in low enriched uranium alloyed with 10 wt% Mo via two chemical imaging modalities-nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) and atom probe tomography (APT). Results from NanoSIMS and APT are compared to understand accuracy and utility of both approaches across length scales. NanoSIMS and APT provide consistent results, with no statistically significant difference between nominal enrichment (19.95 ± 0.14 at% 235U) and that measured for metal matrix and carbide inclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kautz
- National Security Directorate, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, Richland, WA 99354, USA
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Krachler M, Bulgheroni A. Promises and pitfalls of ns-laser ablation for depth profiling of UO2 single crystals. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2020.105302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Gu L, Wang N, Tang X, Changela HG. Application of FIB-SEM Techniques for the Advanced Characterization of Earth and Planetary Materials. SCANNING 2020; 2020:8406917. [PMID: 32774588 PMCID: PMC7397446 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8406917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Advanced microanalytical techniques such as high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), atom probe tomography (APT), and synchrotron-based scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) enable one to characterize the structure and chemical and isotopic compositions of natural materials down towards the atomic scale. Dual focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) is a powerful tool for site-specific sample preparation and subsequent analysis by TEM, APT, and STXM to the highest energy and spatial resolutions. FIB-SEM also works as a stand-alone technique for three-dimensional (3D) tomography. In this review, we will outline the principles and challenges when using FIB-SEM for the advanced characterization of natural materials in the Earth and Planetary Sciences. More specifically, we aim to highlight the state-of-the-art applications of FIB-SEM using examples including (a) traditional FIB ultrathin sample preparation of small particles in the study of space weathering of lunar soil grains, (b) migration of Pb isotopes in zircons by FIB-based APT, (c) coordinated synchrotron-based STXM characterization of extraterrestrial organic material in carbonaceous chondrite, and finally (d) FIB-based 3D tomography of oil shale pores by slice and view methods. Dual beam FIB-SEM is a powerful analytical platform, the scope of which, for technological development and adaptation, is vast and exciting in the field of Earth and Planetary Sciences. For example, dual beam FIB-SEM will be a vital technique for the characterization of fine-grained asteroid and lunar samples returned to the Earth in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Gu
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10029, China
| | - Nian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Tang
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10029, China
| | - H. G. Changela
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Innovation Academy for Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10029, China
- Qian Xuesen Laboratory of Space Technology, Chinese Academy of Space Technology, Beijing, China
- Department of Earth & Planetary Science, University of New Mexico, New Mexico, USA
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