Application of the Uranium–Helium Chronometer to the Analysis of Nuclear Forensic Materials

Abstract

Radiochronometers are used to constrain the manufacturing and processing history of actinide materials for nuclear forensic investigations. This paper describes U-He ages and He diffusion kinetics obtained from a metallic, highly enriched uranium sample. The average U-He age is 8% older than the known casting date, which indicates that excess He is present and is likely due to incomplete degassing of pre-existing He during the casting process. Although the U-He age is older than expected, the accuracy is comparable to other chronometers that have been applied to this material. Diffusion kinetics obtained from the uranium metal indicate that He is quantitatively retained under plausible storage conditions.