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This work describes the use of a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system to conduct macroscopic elemental mapping of uranium and iron on the exterior surface and interior center cross-section of surrogate nuclear debris for the first time. The results suggest that similar LIBS systems could be packaged for use as an effective instrument for screening samples during collection activities in the field or to conduct process control measurements during the production of debris surrogates. The technique focuses on the mitigation of chemical and physical matrix effects of four uranium atomic emission lines, relatively free of interferences and of good analytical value. At a spatial resolution of 0.5 mm, a material fractionation pattern in the surrogate debris is identified and discussed in terms of constituent melting temperatures and thermal gradients experienced.

This work compares a portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) analyzer to a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device for quantification of gallium (Ga) in a plutonium surrogate matrix of cerium (Ce)...

We present the first reported quantification of trace elements in plutonium via a portable laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) device and demonstrate the use of chemometric analysis to enhance the handheld...