Evaluation of the precision and accuracy of a uranium isotopic analysis using glow discharge optogalvanic spectroscopy
- OakRidge National Lab., TN (United States)
The measurement precision and accuracy were evaluated for anisotopic analysis of uranium using diode laser-excited optogalvanic spectroscopy. The ratio of {sup 235}U/({sup 235}U +{sup 238}U) was measured using the 776 nm uranium isotope line for five samples ranging from depleted to enriched {sup 235}U composition. The percent relative error (accuracy) with respect to thermal ionization measurements ranged from 2.38% for a nominally 20% enriched {sup 235}U sample to slightly greater than 30% error for a depleted one. The sample-to-sample precision, determined using three different cathodes, was found to be {plus_minus}3.5% RSD. The ratios showed no trends or biases, varying about a mean of 0.21 and ranging from a high of nearly 0.23 to a low of 0.18. A search was conducted for a stronger atomic line and a matching higher power diode laser in an attempt to improve the signal-to-noise ratio for the depleted case. Using a 150 mW diode laser that produced nominally 42 mW chopped power at 831.84 nm, a depleted uranium oxide sample was found to contain 0.26% {sup 235}U, within 3.7% of the value found using thermal ionization mass analysis. Using this same laser, the run-to-run reproducibility improved to {plus_minus}7.8% from {plus_minus}13.6%. This level of accuracy and precision is sufficient for screening applications, where preliminary information about the isotopic composition of a sample provides the incentive for additional analysis using more precise techniques. 20 refs., 5 figs., 3 tabs.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 136268
- Journal Information:
- Analytical Chemistry (Washington), Vol. 67, Issue 20; Other Information: PBD: 15 Oct 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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