A novel method for trace uranium determination in plutonium by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry

Atomic spectrometry update. Atomic mass spectrometry

“…The same procedure was used to determine trace levels of U in plutonium samples. 251 In this case the UO + ion was measured in order to avoid the 238 Pu interference on the 238 U peak and obviated the need for chemical separation of mg quantities of U from the plutonium matrix. The radioactive decay of 238 Pu and 240 Pu, added as spikes in the ID determination of Pu concentration, led to systematic uncertainty in the results if not taken into account.…”

Thermal ionisation mass spectrometry (TIMS) in nuclear science and technology – a review

“…Studies were also reported for the analysis of U and Pu from the same lament loading [63][64][65] as well as for determining traces of U in Pu. 66 Studies are reported on the ion source chemistry of U + Pu 67 and Th + U 68 using a double rhenium lament and by preparing synthetic mixtures of the two elements, by a thermal ionisation source. It was shown that UO + ions are produced at lower ionisation and vaporisation lament temperatures compared to U + , Pu + and PuO + .…”

Critical need for plutonium and uranium isotopic standards with lower uncertainties

“…Qualication and initial characterization of a highpurity 233 U material for use as IDMS spike is described in Mathew et al 48 A novel method for determination of trace amounts of U present in Pu materials is described by Alamelu and Aggarwal. 49…”