Resumo de eventos cient??ficos
The use of laser ablation sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for swipe samples analysis
Autor
SARKIS, J.E.S.
MARIN, R.C.
PESTANA, R.C.B.
60 YEARS OF IEA-R1: INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP ON UTILIZATION OF RESEARCH REACTORS
Resumen
This work describes the utilization of laser ablation sector field inductively coupled
plasma mass spectrometry (LA-SF-ICP-MS) for determining uranium isotopic
composition in a simulated swipe sample by deposition of U3O8 powder with natural
enrichment level. This method is useful to measure 234U/238U and 235U/238U
isotopic ratios. The measurements were performed on a continuous ablation with
low energy density and defocusing, which improved the signal stability, in a cluster of
uranium particles. Optimization of measurements was achieved by adjusting the following
parameters: RF power, laser beam diameter, defocusing of laser beam, laser
energy, laser energy-density, auxiliary gas and sample gas. The 235U/238U isotope
ratio was 0.00719 0.00020 and its precision was 1.2 % RSD (relative standard
deviation). Uncertainties were estimated following the International Organization
for Standardization ??? Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (ISO
??? GUM), with a confidence level of 95.45% (k = 2.00). The results indicate that
the Laser Ablation ICP-MS technique offers a rapid and accurate alternative for the
measurement of uranium isotope ratios in uranium particle. The technique has the
added advantage of allowing measurements straight on the sample (without further
preparation), preserving the testimony which is very important for safeguards and
nuclear forensics purposes.