Phillips MC, Brumfield BE, LaHaye N, Harilal SS, Hartig KC, Jovanovic I. Two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy of uranium isotopes in femtosecond laser ablation plumes.
Sci Rep 2017;
7:3784. [PMID:
28630409 PMCID:
PMC5476594 DOI:
10.1038/s41598-017-03865-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We demonstrate measurement of uranium isotopes in femtosecond laser ablation plumes using two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (2DFS). The high-resolution, tunable CW-laser spectroscopy technique clearly distinguishes atomic absorption from 235U and 238U in natural and highly enriched uranium metal samples. We present analysis of spectral resolution and analytical performance of 2DFS as a function of ambient pressure. Simultaneous measurement using time-resolved absorption spectroscopy provides information on temporal dynamics of the laser ablation plume and saturation behavior of fluorescence signals. The rapid, non-contact measurement is promising for in-field, standoff measurements of uranium enrichment for nuclear safety and security.
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