| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2021 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Metal-Matrix Composites: Advances in Analysis, Measurement and Observations
|
| Presentation Title |
Use of an Infrared Spectroscopic Method for Isotopic Analysis of Gaseous Uranium Hexafluoride |
| Author(s) |
Kimberly Fessler, Patrick O'Rourke, Nicholas DeRoller, Darrell Simmons, Steven Serkiz |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Kimberly Fessler |
| Abstract Scope |
Nuclear forensics is used to determine the source or detect the trafficking and enrichment of nuclear materials. Uranium isotopic enrichment can be indicative of weapons development or fuel production for research and power grade nuclear reactors. Measuring the isotopic content of a uranium sample can determine the intended use or source type. SRNL researchers have developed an infrared spectroscopic technique to measure the isotopic ratio of gaseous UF6 using a quantum cascade laser (QCL) to determine the enrichment value of the material. The recent advancement and commercialization of QCLs with ultra-fine spectral resolution provides lasers that can potentially resolve the 0.65 cm-1 235UF6/238UF6 isotopic shift. The presentation will provide an overview of the instrument and method development of a field-deployable instrument for near real-time measurements, as well as a discussion of how the measurement method could be used to monitor the presence or isotopic content of other gaseous metal compounds. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Nuclear Materials, Process Technology, |